The Asafoetida (Ferula) family is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbliferae). There are more than 160 species of Kovrak on Earth, 104 species in the Central Asian republics, and more than 50 species in Uzbekistan. The locals call it sassik kovrak, rova, ravshak, kamol, murcha kamol and other names depending on the different types of kovrak. There are 10 main types of resin glue used, such as foul fracture, rova, mountain fringe and other names, these species are very similar in appearance morphologically, but in nature foul fracture (Ferula assa-foetida) is common. The resin-glue produced in the republic and delivered to consumers is mainly of this type. Kovrak reaches a height of 1.5â??2 m, the root is up to 15â??20 cm thick, located deep in the beets. The plant stem grows and blooms once every 8-9 years â?? monocarp. The stem is erect, thick, branched at the top of the hollow inside. The rhizome leaves are banded, separated three times. The leaf segments are oblong, or lanceolate. The leaves on the stem are small, the outside is covered with a lot of feathers, and the stem is lined with hairs. The flowers are gathered in a complex umbrella. The flower is pale yellow, without cups, the crown is 5, the paternal is 5, the maternal node is two-chambered, located below. The fruit is a two-piece grain. It blooms in March-April, the fruits ripen in April-May. The aboveground parts of the plant live 1.5-2 months, depending on the growing environment and weather conditions
Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula (three of which grow in India), which is a perennial herb (1 to 1.5 mtr. High). The species are distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. In India it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab. The major supply of Asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran. There are two main varieties of Asafoetida ie. Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white Asafoetida) and Hing Lal (Red Asafoetida). Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odor due to the presence of Sulphur compounds therein.
The white or pale variety is water soluble, whereas the dark or black variety is oil soluble. Since pure Asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong flavour, it is mixed with starch and gum and sold as compounded Asafoetida mostly in bricked form. It is also available in free flowing (Powder form) or in tablet forms. Asafoetida is extensively used for flavouring curries, sauces, and pickles. It is also used in medicines because of its antibiotic properties.
