Stone Flower (Kalpasi) from the Forests of Meghalaya Origin: Jowai, Meghalaya

Stone Flower (Kalpasi / Black Stone Flower) is a wild forest lichen, not a farmed spice. Our stone flower is sourced from the deep, misty, pollution-free forests of Jowai in Meghalaya, a region known for clean air, high rainfall, and undisturbed forest ecosystems.
Because stone flower is a lichen that absorbs nutrients directly from the air, it cannot survive in polluted environments. Its presence itself is a marker of clean forests.


Harvest & Collection Process

Stone flower grows naturally on rocks and tree bark in forest interiors. There is no cultivation, no farming, and no artificial propagation.


Harvest & Collection Process

Stone flower grows naturally on rocks and tree bark in forest interiors. There is no cultivation, no farming, and no artificial propagation.


How it is collected
  • Collected on foot by local forest communities
  • Harvesters walk several days through hills and rocky terrain
  • No roads, no machinery, no shortcuts
  • Each cluster is gently separated by hand
  • Sun-dried naturally before leaving the forest

Only mature growth is collected, ensuring sustainability and allowing regrowth over time.

Cleaning & Processing Philosophy

Raw forest stone flower arrives with natural forest material.

Quality depends entirely on how carefully it is cleaned.

Our process focuses on preserving aroma and structure, not speed.


What we remove
  • Dust and mud
  • Wood and bark
  • Roots and moss
  • Stone flakes and forest debris
  • Loose bits and crumbled material (where grade demands)

Stone flower is fragile and crumbles easily. Removing dust and micro-bits is critical to achieve true packing-grade quality.


Aroma & Culinary Behaviour

Stone flower does not smell strong in the jar.

Its aroma is heat-activated.


When tempered in hot oil or ghee, its natural lichen compounds release a deep smoky–earthy note, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the dish.

Just 2–3 grams is sufficient for most recipes.



Stone Flower Grades Explained

  • A1 Grade – Ultra Premium | Handpicked
    • 100% hand-cleaned and handpicked
    • Only large, intact floral clusters
    • No dust, no bits, no wood
    • No roots, moss, or forest debris
    • Highest aroma integrity
    • Preferred for fine dining, premium retail packs, and top-end brands
  • B1 Grade – Premium Whole Grade
    • No loose wood
    • No dust
    • Mostly big, whole floral clusters
    • No loose bits
    • Suitable for packing, further handpicking, or premium grinding
  • C1 Grade – Clean Commercial Grade
    • No dust or mud
    • No forest debris or plastics
    • Machine-cleaned and admixture checked
    • Clean, stable grade
    • Ideal for bulk processing, grinding, and cost-sensitive applications

Packaging & Quality Control

  • Packed in food-grade cartons
  • Oxygen absorbers used where applicable
  • Batch-wise cleaning and grading
  • Lab-tested for safety and compliance
  • Botanical name : Parmotrema perlatum




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