Black Stone Flower (Dagad Pool / Kalpasi) – The Secret Spice for Authentic Indian Flavors

What is Black Stone Flower?

Black Stone Flower, also known as Dagad Pool in Marathi and Kalpasi in Tamil, is a rare edible lichen treasured for its deep, earthy aroma and unique flavor-enhancing properties. Scientifically classified as a lichen, this naturally harvested spice is an indispensable ingredient in many traditional Indian recipes, adding an unmatched smoky and umami richness to your culinary creations.

Culinary Uses and Flavor Profile

Elevate Your Dishes with Authentic Regional Aromas

Black Stone Flower is a signature spice in several regional Indian cuisines, including:

• Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu, famous for its bold, spicy gravies

• Hyderabadi biryani, where it imparts a distinctive smoky depth

• Maharashtrian Goda Masala (Kala Masala), enhancing complex spice blends with its earthy undertones

Its delicate, dry, fluffy texture allows it to absorb and amplify the flavors of the other spices in your dish. Just a pinch adds an unforgettable smoky, slightly woody, and umami-rich layer, making your curries, stews, dals, and biryanis truly stand out.

Versatile Ingredient for Every Kitchen

Whether you’re slow-cooking meats, preparing rich vegetarian gravies, or creating authentic spice blends, Kalpasi stone flower enriches every bite with a bold aroma and depth. It also helps thicken sauces and gives a subtle complexity to soups and dals, making it a multi-purpose must-have for spice enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.

Traditional and Regional Names for Global Customers

• Botanical/Scientific: Edible Lichen (Black Stone Flower)

• Regional Names:

  • Marathi: Dagad Pool

  • Tamil: Kalpasi

  • Hindi: Pathar Ke Phool

  • Kannada: Kalpasi

• Global Appeal: Highly sought after by culinary experts and home cooks in India, USA, Canada, UK, and across the world for its authentic regional flavor profile and aromatic qualities.

Why Choose Herbolaya’s Black Stone Flower?

At Herbolaya, we ensure you receive only the finest quality spices:

• Hand-harvested and naturally sun-dried to preserve freshness, aroma, and potency

• Free from additives, artificial preservatives, and colorants

• Packed in airtight, moisture-resistant packaging to maintain the spice’s delicate texture and powerful fragrance

• Carefully sourced from trusted growers to bring you authentic, premium-grade Black Stone Flower

Tips for Using Black Stone Flower (Kalpasi)

• Add early in cooking to allow the spice to bloom fully and infuse your dishes with deep smoky umami notes

• Use sparingly, as its flavor is potent and intensifies over time in slow-cooked dishes

• Ideal for biryanis, masalas, gravies, dals, and even certain snacks to impart a unique aroma and flavor

Unlock the authentic taste of Indian regional cuisines with Herbolaya’s Black Stone Flower (Dagad Pool / Kalpasi) — a timeless spice that transforms everyday cooking into a gourmet experience.