is an aromatic resin roots of the plant Ferula asafoetida which is native to India Iran and Afghanistan. She was highly regarded in the days of ancient Greece and Rome for the medicinal properties and spicy tangy taste that it gives food. In Russia asafoetida was known more as a medicine not as a spice. Asafoetida is used in small quantities. It has a distinct taste that has healing properties. The taste is somewhat reminiscent of asafoetida and garlic with success can replace it in vegetable dishes. The use of asafoetida helps prevent bloating and facilitates the digestion of food it is ideal for dishes of beans.