There will be hardly any people in the sub-continent who have not seen the makhana plant or enjoyed makhana preparations. Today it is famous as fox nuts or lotus seeds worldwide. In India, it has always been a part of the daily diet of ordinary people from ancient times. People eat spiced roasted makhana, chomped dried raw makhana, and added makhana to dishes like dal, sabji and pulao. This perennial food has always been popular among vegetarians in the country; though, you can enjoy makhana in various non-vegetarian preparations. Recently, makhana is gaining popularity among health enthusiasts and dietitians globally as a superfood.

The FACTS behind Makhana’s popularity

Makhana is said to be one of the most delicious and nutritious snacks. The health benefits of Phool makhana helped this food claim the superfood tag globally.

• It is a rich source of high-quality plant-based protein for people living on completely vegan diets.
• It prevents high blood pressure and sugar. Excellent food for losing weight as it contains an insignificant amount of fat and rich in protein. It keeps you full for a prolonged period.
• Makhana in the regular diet prevents early ageing and stops greying of hair and wrinkles.
• It is an excellent snack for any healthy partying; just add a sprinkle of black pepper and a pinch of salt.
• The high calcium content of makhana strengthens bones and muscles. It has a very nominal amount of saturated fat.
• Makhana contains a low amount of sodium and a high amount of potassium which is good for cardiac health. It also has a healthy amount of minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus.
• As per Ayurvedic texts, astringent properties are present in makhana, making it suitable for kidney health.
• Makhana benefits Ayurveda is also well established and documented in ancient Indian scriptures.

Where does the makhana grow across the world?

Along with India, only in parts of countries like Russia, Korea and Japan, the perennial makhana plant Euryale Ferox or lotus seeds grows naturally.

Only a few people know that the majority of makhana is grown in India. Patna region of Bihar, India, produces various fox nuts like Gorgon nuts, lotus nuts and others. The best variety of makhana grown in India is Swarna Vaidehi, and it was developed by ICAR (Indian Council Of Agriculture Research ). Makhana has emerged as an essential commercial crop in Bihar, producing makhana on a large scale.

Quick facts about makhana or fox nuts

• Over 90% of world fox nuts production comes from Bihar, India.
• Makhana can be grown very naturally and organically, just like any other crops like wheat or paddy.
• A single plant of makhana can produce up to 80- 100 makhana seeds.
• Earlier, makhana was cultivated in 20,000-hectare ponds and water bodies areas in Bihar. By 2012 – 2013, it fell to 13,000 hectares of ponds and water bodies.
• Out of 25,000 tonnes of annual production, only around 10 tonnes of makhana is fit for high-quality food-grade processing.
• The nine districts of Bihar is the leading region of makhana production including Darbhanga, Araria, kishanganj, Katihar, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Purnia, Sapant and Madhubani. It is the major cash crop in this region.
• Makhana is also produced in the Indian states like West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• In many states, makhana is considered auspicious and offered to god during special occasions and festivals.
• People also eat makhana after religious fasting.

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