Kalpasi/Black stone flower/Dagad Phool/Pathar-Ka-Phool (Indian spice) - Origin of kalpasi, Description, Culinary Use, TOP 5 must-try Indian dishes with kalpasi flavour, along with Purchase and Storage of Kalpasi

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What is Kalpasi/Black Stone Flower Uses/Pathar-Ka-Phool Uses/Dagad Phool Uses/Black Stone Flower Uses/Kalpasi Uses/Stone Flower Uses

Kalpasi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS THE KALPASI/BLACK STONE FLOWER?

Parmotrema Perlatum or Kalpasi (Tamil name) is a form of Lichens. It is variously called Stone Flower and Black Stone Flower in English. Kalpasi/Black stone flower is a mysterious and Lesser-known Indian Spice.

ORIGIN OF KALPASI

Kalpasi is a species of Lichen. Lichens grow spontaneously, but it requires precise environmental conditions. They grow only in a pollution-free atmosphere, at an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level, in cool climates where plenty of moisture is present. They form spontaneously on the trunks of trees and sides of buildings.

In India, particularly Tamilnadu alone lichens grow in the forests around Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud all upland regions.

In Kerala, it is picked from the forest of Thekkady.

In Maharashtra, the forests of the Western Ghats yield rich pickings.

It is collected by the local tribes who live in these forests, who then sell it to spice sellers.

DESCRIPTION OF KALPASI

Kalpasi does not have any specific shape. It is a curly paper-like structure attached to the bark of Trees and Rocks. It is a really delicate and weightless spice. It is a combination of grey, white and black colours.

Kalpasi

FEW INDIAN REGIONAL OR VERNACULAR NAMES OF KALPASI

English name – Black Stone Flower/Stone Flower

Tamil name – Kalpasi

Marathi name – Dagad Phool

Gujarati name – Chadilo

Assamese name – Bhojhwar

Kannada name – Kalahu

Urdu name – Riham Karmani

Telugu name – Kallu Pachi

Sanskrit name – Shaileyam

Hindi name – Pathar-Ka-Phool

INDIAN CULINARY USES OF KALPASI/BLACK STONE FLOWER

Kalpasi/Black stone flower is used as a spice in Indian cooking.

TAMILNADU CUISINE

In Tamilnadu, particularly Chettinad cuisine use Kalpasi as a spice in their cooking. They use Kalpasi in Soups, Kuzhambu (curry), and Gravies (Chettinad Chicken Gravy). It adds a deep, dark, mysterious flavour to the dish.

Other cities like Madurai, Dindigul, and Trichy nearby to the Chettinad region also use Kalpasi in their cooking. They use in Biryani masalas, Parotta Salna (Curry), Soups, and Gravies.

Chettinad Cauliflower Soup

In the picture - Chettinad cauliflower soup recipe/Cauliflower soup recipe

For the detailed "Chettinad cauliflower soup recipe/Cauliflower soup recipe". Kindly, click the below link to check out -

🔗Chettinad Cauliflower Soup Recipe/Cauliflower Soup Recipe

MARATHI CUISINE

Dagad Phool/Black Stone Flower was indispensable in Maharashtrian “Goda Masala”. Goda Masala is a vegetarian spice blend. It is used by the Brahmin community in Amtis or Dals and vegetables cooked in gravy. They also use it in Black Masala or Kala Masala.

LUCKNOWI CUISINE

Potli Masala or Kawab Masala would be incomplete without a tiny pinch of Kalpasi. Potli Masala is a complicated spice blend that consists of 15-20 spices. Potli Masala/Kawab Masala is used in Kebab (particularly Galouti Kebab), Nihari, and some other Lucknowi dishes.

HYDERABADI CUISINE

Pathar-Ke-Phool/Kalpasi is an important spice used in the Chakna recipe (a stew of animal entrails that is a speciality of Hyderabadi Muslims). Kalpasi is always a secret ingredient in organ meat dishes because it cuts down the sharp taste of the meat.

FLAVOUR OF KALPASI/BLACK STONE FLOWER

Kalpasi as a spice has no taste on its own, but it adds a mysterious quotient to whatever food its flavour. It also gives an earthy flavour. Be careful while adding kalpasi, too much tastes bitter and overpowers the dish. It releases aroma only it contacts hot oil/ghee.

Kalpasi

TOP 5 MUST-TRY KALPASI FLAVOURED DISHES

1. Nihari (Lucknow Cuisine)
2. Chicken Chettinad (Chettinad Cuisine)
3. Chakna (Hyderabadi Cuisine)
4. Amti (Maharashtrian Cuisine)
5. Galouti kebab (Lucknow Cuisine)

TIPS TO BUY AND STORE KALPASI/BLACK STONE FLOWER

It is available in Indian grocery stores but never proudly displayed in spice jars.

When buying kalpasi, Look for freshness and colour, and always buy the recently dated and moisture-free product.

HOW TO STORE KALPASI/BLACK STONE FLOWER?

You can store kalpasi/black stone flowers in an air-tight glass container for up to 1 year in a cool and dry place.

HAPPY COOKING!
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Do try the recipe using "Kalpasi/Pathar-ka-Phool/Dagad Phool/Black Stone Flower"

🔗Chettinad cauliflower soup recipe/Cauliflower soup recipe

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