Black Stone Flower is one of the most unusual spices in the Indian repertoire. It is a rare dried flower and a dominant spice in all Chettinad preparations. This spice is very popular in Indian delicacies and snacks. It has a strong earthy aroma that is released when this spice is tempered in hot oil or ghee for gravies soups and curries. It has a very dry light papery texture and feels to it. It is not only used to impart mild aromatic flavor to soups but also to thicken the soup.