Asafoetida: The Diamond of Medicinal Plants
Asafoetida, a rare and precious medicinal plant native to Iran, possesses remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties that remain largely unknown to the general public in the country. Despite its extraordinary attributes, asafoetida is not widely utilized within Iran due to its concealed importance in public awareness.
Conversely, Indians have become the primary consumers of this plant, importing hundreds of tons annually.
Asafoetida undergoes processing and is transformed into powder or pills, which can be used in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
This rare diamonds’ versatility allows it to be used as a salad garnish, food flavoring, pickle spice, and can even be consumed raw.
The Indian market highly values this rare diamond, commanding a substantial 6-8% share due to its pivotal role in enhancing the flavors of various foods.
Ecological requirement
Ecologically, this plant thrives in specific environments, including barren lands, dry sandy lands, areas containing calcareous compounds, elevations above 1000 m, and low-topographic steppe lands.
Asafoetida propagation methods
- The proliferation of Asafoetida is primarily achieved through seed propagation. The seeds are dispersed by the wind to the surrounding areas and germinate under rainy conditions.
- Local inhabitants of Lar, Niriz, Sarakhs, Tabas, Kashmar, Eqlid, and other areas play a crucial role in preserving this plant species by planting these seeds in pastures and highlands, effectively preventing its extinction.
- In recent times, efforts to conserve and expand Asafoetida’s cultivation have led to the introduction of seedling planting in some regions.
- The choice of planting time depends on the specific climate and planting area, with autumn and early spring being identified as the optimal periods.
Asafoetida exploitation
Its exploitation can be carried out through various approaches, including:
- Transverse Method
- Longitudinal Method
- One-Way method
- Two-Way method
- Consolidated method
The transverse method, used for harvesting Asafoetida, is considered the least favorable approach. It involves making a cut at the top of the plant’s crown, leading to the removal of the terminal bud. This approach eventually can lead to plant death, resulting in a decline in the number of Asafoetida bushes in pastures and a loss of its valuable sap.
Conversely, the Two-way method can be considered the most preferred approach for harvesting the mentioned plant, offering the following advantages:
- Preservation of plant life
- Economical sap yield
- The ideal age for harvesting Asafoetida is between 9 to 10 years.
- The peak period for sap and yield production in this plant occurs after 6 to 7 years.
- The amount of sap in Asafoetida increases with higher altitudes. The optimal height for cultivating this plant is around 1600 m.
- Plants at lower altitudes may experience a decrease in gum production due to the influence of heat.
- Older plants tend to have larger diameters, resulting in a greater amount of sap within them.
Harvesting Process for Asafoetida
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Twisting
- This step is carried out in May, signaled by the yellowing of the plant.
- To initiate this stage, gently twist the bush or the larger leaf of the plant. Then, depending on the size of the bush, a weight of approximately one kg is placed on the plant.
- The aim is to secure the position of the bush and prevent it from being displaced during further bushes.
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Killing
- During this stage, a 15 cm deep hole is dug around the bush using special axes.
- Then, the fibers around the collar are carefully removed, which are the remnants of the previous year’s leaf sheaths.
- The soft soil around the pit is poured back around the mound to protect the roots from dry air.
- Subsequently, the shelter is placed on the soil, covering the roots, and a stone is placed on top.
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Cutting
- In this step, the soft soil poured around the root collar during the “killing” stage is carefully removed. Subsequently, a special semi-circular blade, measuring 20 cm in length and 15 cm in width, is then used to make a precise cut of one mm thickness at the apex of the root.
- The extracted juice is collected using a special spatula and carefully stored in a designated container.
- After this step, a portion (1 mm) at the top of the root is again cut with a spatula, and the shelter is replaced over the root.
The most effective Asafoetida compounds for export
This herb contains sulfide compounds and monoterpene compounds, including β-Pinene, α -Pinene, Granyl Astate, and Bornyl Astate. Additionally, its gum contains Galactose, Glucose, Rhamnose, Arabinose, and Glucuronic acid.
Asafoetida gum price in Iran
Maleki Commercial exports Asafoetida at the best price and quality under the brand Elisso Sky to the United States, Europe, and Asia and has already won several customers.
Asafoetida supplier in Iran
According to the buyer’s needs, Maleki Commercial exports excellent quality Asafoetida plants and gel (EX), EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, FOB, FAC, CFR, CIF.
The largest supplier of pure Asafoetida in Iran
For commercial production of Asafoetida gum, trained operators in Maleki Commercial undertake exploitation in certain regions of Iran with the best quality. Customer satisfaction and commitment to selling high-quality Asafoetida are the cornerstone of Maleki Trading Company’s business credentials. This Company is the largest commercial producer of Asafoetida in the world.
Maleki Commercial, the biggest exporter of Asafoetida in both national and global levels
Maleki Commercial is the largest direct exporter of Asafoetida in Iran and Asia. This company exports the best quality of this plant as per the buyer’s requirement in the form of EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, FOB, FAC, CFR, CIF.
Worldwide export of Asafoetida gum
Maleki Commercial is one of the global exporters of Asafoetida gum with the most effective ingredients, offering the best quality and price among all exporters. This company is very successful in exporting this plant to different countries without any middleman.
You can rely on this company to provide the best quality products in safe and standardized packaging if you need this kind of high-quality export.
Asafoetida in different languages
- Latin: Ferula assa-foetida L, rubricaulis Boiss
- Scientific: Ferula assa-foetida
- German: Asandisteckenkraut
- English: Asafoetida, Asant, Assa-foetida Plant, Asafetida, Gum asafetida
- France: Assa-foetida, Ferula asafetida
- Hindi: Hing
- Arabic: Anjdan, Haltit Tabib, Haltit Mentan, Shagarat Abu Kabir, Shagarat Al-Haltit.
- Farsi: Anghuze , Anghuze , Korn kama, Anguzakma, Khorakma, Angard
