Stone Flower (Chabila) | Pathar Phool | Rare Earthy Lichen Spice

Net Wt. 50 Grams Health & Nutritional Benefits Natural Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help reduce internal inflammation and soothe the digestive tract. Kidney Health: Known for its lithontriptic properties, it is often used in traditional remedies to support healthy kidney and bladder function. Antimicrobial Properties: Contains natural compounds that help fight pathogens and support the body’s healing process. Skin Healing: When used topically (as a paste), it is believed to help in the healing of minor skin irritations and wounds. Digestive Aid: Helps in improving appetite and relieving symptoms of bloating or indigestion. Nutritional Values (Approx. per 100g) Component Value Energy 280 kcal Active Compounds Lecanoric acid & Atranorin Dietary Fiber 10.2g Iron 12.1mg Calcium 155mg Uses The “Secret” Spice: An indispensable ingredient for authentic Goda Masala, Kala Masala, and Potli Masala. Gourmet Meat Curries: Used in slow-cooked mutton and chicken dishes to provide a deep, woody, “wild” flavor that other spices cannot replicate. Biryani Tempering: Add a small piece to the oil at the beginning of cooking to create a rich, aromatic base for Hyderabadi or Lucknawi Biryanis. Vegetarian Delights: Elevates the flavor of Chole (chickpeas) and Dal Makhani, giving them a professional, dhaba-style smokiness. Soups & Broths: Simmer in clear soups or bone broths to extract its medicinal properties and earthy notes. Storage Instructions Keep it Bone-Dry: Pathar Phool is a lichen and highly susceptible to moisture. Store in a completely dry, airtight glass jar. Do Not Crush: Keep the pieces whole; they are very brittle and can turn to dust if handled roughly. Airtight is Crucial: To preserve its subtle earthy oils, ensure the container is tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark cupboard. Fun Facts Nature’s Mystery: Pathar Phool is not a plant, but a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae that grows only in areas with extremely clean air. The “Magic” Transformation: It is one of the few spices that smells like nothing in the jar but transforms completely into a “umami bomb” once heated. Global Rarity: While essential in Indian regional cooking, it is virtually unknown in Western cuisines, making it a true hidden gem of the spice world.