Transcript of Cast Iron: An Invention of Ancient China. Mass-production began in the Han dynasty. At the time of its invention, cast iron had many uses. Since the discovery of steel, iron (both cast and wrought) has become less common, as steel is generally stronger.
Asafoetida is a plant. It has a bad smell and tastes bitter. That probably explains why it is sometimes called âdevilâs dung.â. People use asafoetida resin, a gum-like material, as medicine. Asafoetida resin is produced by solidifying juice that comes out of cuts made in the plantâs living roots. Asafoetida is used for breathing problems including ongoing (chronic) bronchitis, H1N1 swine flu, and asthma.
Asafoetida is not that kind of spice. To the uninitiated, its flavor and aroma can be downright alarming. Its origins and processingâit's the dried and powdered resin from a treeâmake it one of those ingredients, like cheese, that make you wonder how we ever turned it into food.