Asafoetida is made from the dried latex or resin extracted from the roots of the Ferula plant. The resin is collected, dried, and processed into lumps or powder form. Pure asafoetida has a very strong smell, so it is usually blended with edible starch or flour to create a usable spice powder. The plant grows mainly in regions of Iran and Afghanistan, and the resin is imported and processed for culinary use. This natural spice has been valued in Ayurveda for centuries for its digestive and therapeutic properties. Asafoetida contains sulfur compounds that give it its distinctive aroma and flavor. Though pungent in raw form, it becomes pleasantly savory when cooked, making it a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine.