Makhana
๐ฐ Makhana (Fox Nuts): The Ancient Superfood for Modern Wellness
๐น Botanical Details
Botanical Name: Euryale ferox
๐น Common Names:
- English: Fox Nuts / Lotus Seeds
- Hindi: เคฎเคเคพเคจเคพ (Makhana)
- Tamil: Thamarai Vithai
- Bengali: Makhana
- Chinese: ่กๅฎ (Qiร n shรญ)
๐ฑ Botanical & Agricultural Overview
Makhana comes from the seeds of the Euryale ferox plant, an aquatic crop cultivated mainly in ponds and wetlands. Native to India and parts of China, the seeds are harvested and processed to produce crisp, white puffed kernels with high nutritional value and crunchy texture.
- Cultivation Regions in India: Bihar (Darbhanga, Madhubani), Eastern UP, Assam, West Bengal
- Climate: Tropical/subtropical; grown in stagnant water bodies
- Harvest Period: June โ November
๐ India, especially Bihar, is the largest producer & exporter of Makhana globally.
๐ญ Processing Methods
- Seed collection from ponds
- Sun drying to reduce moisture
- Roasting in sand-filled pans
- Puffing by manual hammering
- Sorting & grading by size & purity
- Optional polishing for whiteness
- Food-grade packaging
โ Available in raw, roasted, flavored, and powdered forms.
๐ฌ Nutritional Value (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 347 kcal |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 76.9 g |
| Fiber | 14.5 g |
| Fat | 0.1โ0.5 g |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 100 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Antioxidants | Present (flavonoids, alkaloids) |
๐ฟ Gluten-free, low-fat, high in fiber & micronutrients.
โ Health Benefits
- ๐ซ Heart health: Low sodium & cholesterol, rich in antioxidants
- ๐ช Weight management: High fiber, low-calorie snack
- ๐ง Brain & nerves: Magnesium & phosphorus support cognition
- ๐ฆด Bone strength: Calcium & magnesium for strong bones
- ๐ฟ Anti-aging: Antioxidants reduce free radicals
- ๐ก Blood sugar control: Low glycemic index
๐ฝ๏ธ Culinary Applications
- Roasted snacks (salted, masala, caramelized, herb-flavored)
- Curries (matar-makhana, paneer-makhana)
- Sweets (kheer, barfi, ladoo)
- Health foods (granola, cereals, energy bars)
- Powdered form in baby food & fasting diets
โ Popular in Ayurvedic and satvik meals.
๐งด Medicinal & Functional Applications
- Used in Ayurveda for kidney disorders, infertility & arthritis
- Natural detoxifier & coolant
- Supports reproductive health
- Powder form used in nutraceuticals & protein blends
๐ฆ Packaging Options
| Form | Packaging Options |
|---|---|
| Whole Raw | 250g, 500g, 1kg, 25kg (PP bags/pouches) |
| Roasted | 30g, 60g, 100g, 200g (pouches/jars) |
| Flavored | Retail sachets, resealable packs |
| Powder | 250g, 1kg (bulk for industries) |
| Private Label | Available with branding support |
โ Vacuum-sealed, nitrogen-flushed, or zip-lock options for shelf stability.
๐ Global Trends
- Rising demand in health food & vegan categories
- Popular in Ayurvedic & guilt-free snacking markets
- Expanding use in nutraceutical & gourmet cooking
๐ Makhana is a premium Indian superfood with global export potential.
๐ Product Specification Summary
| Botanical Name | Euryale ferox |
| Variety | Raw, Roasted, Flavored, Powdered |
| Purity | 98โ100% (Sortex cleaned) |
| Size Grades | Small, Medium, Large, Super Jumbo |
| Moisture | Max 6% |
| Shelf Life | 9โ12 months (Roasted), up to 18 months (Raw) |
| HS Code | 08134090 |
| Certifications | FSSAI, ISO, HACCP, APEDA, USDA Organic (on request) |
| Origin | India |
๐ค Why Choose Our Makhana?
- โ Direct sourcing from Bihar โ Indiaโs Makhana hub
- โ Hygienically processed in certified facilities
- โ Customization in size, flavor & packaging
- โ Export-ready with documentation compliance
- โ Strong supply capacity for wholesale & retail