Asafoetida (Irregular blocks and oleoresin, waxy yellow-brown, strong and persistent garlic-like odor, burning, spicy, and sticky to the teeth when chewed)
【Naming】
【Source】
Newly Revised
【Frequency of Use】
E
【Botanical Origin】
Resin of Ferula assafoetida L. and Ferula caspica Marsh. of the Umbelliferae family.
【Characteristics】
It exists as irregular blocks and oleoresin, with varying shades of color, ranging from waxy yellow to brownish-yellow on the surface. The block-shaped ones are light in weight, with a waxy texture and slightly porous cross-sections. Freshly cut surfaces are lighter in color, becoming darker with time. The oleoresin is viscous, grayish-white, and has a strong and persistent garlic-like odor. The taste is pungent and spicy, with a burning sensation when chewed.
【Identification】
Zheng Lei Ben Cao: “The best is made by pounding the root juice and sun-drying it into a cake,” “The best is that which is yellow and loose.” Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao: “The best is that with a yellow-red liquid.” Ren Shu Bian Lan: “Genuine Asafoetida is rare, and that with the color of horse meat is good.” Ben Cao Xin Bian: “The best Asafoetida is that which has a strong odor.” Jing Yan Dan Fang Hui Bian: “Genuine Asafoetida, when cut open, has five colors and is soft.” Ben Cao Qiu Zhen: “If placed in a copper vessel overnight, the area it touches will turn white like silver, then it is genuine.” Liang Lie Jian Bie: “That which is light yellow and brown is superior; that which is dark or has a black taste is useless.”
1. Take a small piece and place it on a pot. After one day and night, if the copper color around the Asafoetida turns white, it is genuine.
2. Grind Asafoetida finely with water. If the water appears milky yellow-white, it is genuine.
3. If it has a persistent garlic odor and feels soft when rubbed by hand, it is genuine. It is best to be pure, free of impurities, and have a strong odor.
【Category】
Resins