Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is grown, harvested & ground by experts. It comes from the resin of the tree. Asafoetida has a very distinct odour which is powerful & really rather unpleasant when uncooked, but when cooked gives a delicious rounded flavour. The flavour is comparable to leeks, onion & garlic. It is often used as a component of pickling spices, sauces or in curries.