Question

Which part of asafoetida plant is used as food?

• A. Seeds
• B. Stems
• C. Roots
• D. Flowers

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Roots

The correct option is C.
Explanation for the correct option:

1. The dried latex secreted from the rhizome or tap root of various species of Ferula is known as asafoetida.
2. They belong to the Umbelliferae family of celery.
3. The word for asafetida in Hindi is hing or heeng (sometimes spelled asafoetida).
4. It is an oleo gum resin that is extracted from the plant's rhizome and root.
5. This spice is used in pickles, as a food condiment, and as a digestive aid.
6. Many spice blends include asafoetida as a flavoring agent and ingredient.

Explanations for the incorrect options:
Option A:

1. The gum resin, or dried sap, of Ferula plant roots, is known as asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida).
2. It is frequently dried, made into a coarse, yellow powder, and used either in cooking or as medicine.

Option B:

1. The inner part of the fully developed stem is considered a delicacy, but the entire plant is consumed as a fresh vegetable.

Option D:

1. Asafoetida has several sheathed petioles and foliage that resembles parsley.
2. The flower resembles members of the parsley family.

Final answer: Roots are part of the asafoetida plant used as food.