Hing, commonly known as asafoetida, is a resin-like substance obtained from Ferula roots. Though it is mainly grown in India, it is indigenous to Iran and Afghanistan.
Known for its sulfuric pungency, it adds an unmissable flavor to any dish it is added to. Hing is available in two forms: pure (typically in the form of a hard, resin block) and compounded. Compounded hing is hing that has been blended with wheat to reduce the pungency and make it more consumer-acceptable.
In our Catch Hing Powders Review, we provide a full comparison of Catch Compounded Hing vs Catch Premium Hing. Continue reading to learn more.
Our Review Factors
1. Taste & Aroma
We checked for how different these are in terms of flavor and aroma.
- Strength of the hing (flavor).
- Level of pungency (aroma).
2. Texture & Appearance
How is compounded hing different from premium hing in texture and appearance?
3. Composition
What is the difference between their composition, i.e., ingredients?
4. Other Factors
The price, packaging, and shelf life for both the hing powders by Catch were recorded here. Why is premium hing priced higher? Is it justified? If yes, why?
Quick Read: Tata Sampann’s Hing is Robust & Pungent!
Catch Hing Powder – Detailed Review
How did we test the hing? A simple moong dal with a zeera-hing tadka did the trick for us. No fancy frills and frolics! Just a humble bowl of yellow dal with a tempering loved by most Indians. This was followed by a taste test. We used the same amount of hing for the tadka to achieve a fair and unbiased result. This helped us establish potency.
1. Compounded
Product Details
This hing is packed in a sturdy yellow jar with a red lid. All you have to do is twist and turn, and it will open easily.
The price of a 25 gm quantity is Rs. 74. It has a 1-year shelf life.
Main Ingredients
This has the following ingredients: Wheat flour (55%), Asafoetida, and Edible gum.
Our Take
At first, the pungency was pretty noticeable. However, after adding to the dal the hing flavor reduced slightly.
Texture-wise, this hing has a powdery form and extremely tiny granules. This hing is best suited for making everyday dals and sabzis that require moderate amount of hing flavor. Although the potency is comparatively lower (than premium hing), this is pocket-friendly too.
2. Premium
Product Details
Catch Premium Hing is packed in a rectangular jar which has a color combination of red and bright yellow. It features a press-and-pull type of lid.
A 12 gm jar is priced at Rs. 175 which comes with 1 year of shelf life.
Main Ingredients
Wheat flour (45%), Asafoetida, and Gum arabic are the main ingredients seen here.
Our Take
Catch’s premium hing wins in terms of flavor and aroma. This is significantly far superior compared to regular compounded hing. Because of its strength, make sure to use this hing sparingly (very potent).
Catch’s Premium hing has larger granules. It does not have a fine powder form, unlike regular compounded hing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the shelf life of Catch Hing powders?
Both the above hing powders by Catch have a shelf life of 1 year.
2. What is hing called in English?
In English, hing is known as asafoetida. It’s also referred to as devil’s dung and stinky gum due to its sulfuric aroma.
3. How to pronounce asafoetida?
The word asafoetida is pronounced “uh-suh-FEHT-uh-duh.” When pronouncing the term, more emphasis is placed on the second syllable, and the “f” is pronounced as a soft “ph” sound, similar to “pheasant.”
4. Is asafoetida good for health?
Asafoetida has a lot of health benefits. One of them is that it aids in digestion and is good for the gut.
5. Why is hing used in food?
Hing, along with other spices, is used in cooking to add a savory, umami flavor to lentil or vegetable-based recipes.
Final Words
In terms of pricing, albeit Catch premium hing is more expensive, it surely provides greater value for money due to its intense taste and aroma.
