Black stone flower (patthar ke phool, kalpasi) is a dried lichen used as a spice. It smells mildly earthy in the pack and releases a deep, smoky aroma when fried in oil. A classic ingredient in garam masala, goda masala and Chettinad dishes. From Pasma, Pithoragarh, in the Uttarakhand Himalayas.

What's inside

Dried black stone flower. Single ingredient, nothing added. No preservatives.

How to use

• Fry a small piece in hot oil at the start of cooking biryani, kormas or meat curries.

• Grind into homemade garam masala or goda masala.

• Use sparingly: a little gives plenty of flavour.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container away from moisture and sunlight.