Pure Asafoetida

[Invisible Mike]

I've just bought a little yellow jar of the heavily adulterated Vandevi asafoetida for a batata vada recipe then realised the pure resin is available on eBay - damn! 

The side of the jar states that it is for export only and not for sale in India. Is this because of some purity laws? If so, it just goes to show what Indians think of it...

Has anybody ever used the pure stuff?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172178884703

[Peripatetic Phil]

Yes, I have all three -- the standard rice flour/gum/hing/turmeric blend (powdered), the con trick "Hing whole / asafoetida whole" (which is actually a wheat flour/gum/hing blend, sold in chunks) and real 100% hing, also sold in chunks.  The first two ("faux hing") are by Top-Op, the real deal by Planet Spices.

P.S. Planet Spices are currently offering 2,2kg of pure hing for USD 160.

** Phil.

[Curry addict bob]

Yes I keep this in stock it's usually used in more traditional type curries it smells like rotten eggs to me and I haven't I clue what it does in a Currie but it's never ruined one for me so if the recipe says add it a will follow the instructions
Usually very small amounts are used! ie 1/8 1/4 tsp

CAB.