Resins and gums

Resins are hardened plant sap, such as frankincense, myrrh, mastic and asafoetida. They are used as incense, as perfume and, in small amounts, as seasoning.

What they are

Resins form when a tree, or in the case of asafoetida a giant fennel root, is cut and the sap flows and hardens. Frankincense and myrrh come from trees in Arabia and the Horn of Africa. Mastic comes from a tree grown on the Greek island of Chios. Asafoetida, or hing, comes from Ferula plants of Iran and Afghanistan.

How they are used

Mastic flavours Greek sweets and ice cream, and asafoetida is fried in oil in Indian cooking to give a savoury, onion-like taste, which is why it appears in many dishes without onion or garlic. Frankincense and myrrh are mostly burned as incense or used in perfume.

Buying and keeping

Keep resins in closed jars as their strong scent can spread. Asafoetida is usually sold mixed with flour in a compound form, which is easier to use. Check that incense resins are sourced responsibly, as wild trees can be overtapped.