Animalic

Asafoetida

Note Profile

Botanical 11 perfumes

About

Asafoetida is a gum resin from the roots of Ferula species, grown mainly in Iran and Afghanistan. The root is cut and the sap that leaks out is left to dry. It smells pungent and sulphurous, like garlic and onion with resin. It dries down to a warm, slightly musky spice. Perfumers use it only in trace amounts, in the base.

Scent Profile

Asafoetida has a pungent, sulfurous scent with strong notes of garlic, onion, and resin, evolving into a warm, slightly musky spiciness as it dries down. Its aroma is intensely savory, with earthy and animalic undertones that can add depth and complexity to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~48h lasting

Family Elemental

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Asafoetida oil

A natural extract

CAS 9000-04-8

Ferula assa-foetida. The note names the material.

How the layers join

Origin

Asafoetida is a gum resin obtained from the roots of Ferula species, primarily grown in Iran and Afghanistan. The resin is collected by cutting the root and allowing the exuded sap to dry, after which it is processed for use in perfumery and culinary applications.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use asafoetida in trace amounts, typically in the base of compositions, to impart a savory, animalic nuance or to enhance oriental and spicy accords. It blends well with resins, woods, and certain florals, and is valued for its ability to add realism and complexity to gourmand and amber fragrances.