Indian snack Makhana is the most sought-after superfood on earth. Also known as Fox Nuts, it is power packed with nutrients. Great for the physical and mental health.
Till a few years back, nobody paid attention to this Indian snack Makhana. The high protein food element was only remembered during Navratri, rituals, and fasting. Although the nut found a lot of use in Ayurveda and also Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it was only in the last 5-10 years when the Indian snack entered the globally sought-after superfood list, driven by the global fascination with holistic living and traditional superfoods.
Treated as a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries, this nutrient-rich snack has now transcended cultural boundaries to become a popular choice among health enthusiasts worldwide. From gourmet Makhana mixes to flavoured variants like peri-peri, cheese, and chocolate-coated Makhana, the snack has undergone a culinary transformation, appealing to diverse palates.
The humble phool makhana which has now transformed into a powerful super food mainly thrives in the aquatic ecosystems (ponds) and wetlands and places with hot & dry summers, and cold winters. But with research and sustainable cultivation practices (minimal water and chemical input), it can now be grown into usual paddy fields and wheat cultivation lands.
What is truly astonishing for many is its profit margin. With a markup of 4000%, Makhana or lotus seeds, has become a lucrative investment opportunity for entrepreneurs and 12,000 farmers across 38 blocks and 8 districts of Bihar- The Indian state which accounts for 90% of the world’s production of makhana alone. Thus, once listed as a credit crop, the makhana in the last decade or so has grown into a cash crop for farmers in Bihar. Mithila Makhana is awarded the GI Tag by the government.
Makhana’s nutritional value is impressive in the food industry. It is loaded with a host of benefits for the human body.
• Referred as a flag bearer of good health, it is rich in protein and carbs and low in fats & calorie count.
• Fox nuts are also high in dietary fibre and minerals and thus helpful in weight management. It can help alleviate digestive issues like constipation.
• Antioxidant kaempferol which assists in the body’s fight against inflammation and toxic elements in the body is present in this superfood. This in turn helps in slowing down the ageing process by naturally maintaining the quality of skin, hair and other age-related problems.
• It is a healthy alternative to popcorn, chips and cookies. It is completely Vegan and gluten-free.
• As it has a very neutral taste, it can be flavoured with any other food element like cheese, chocolate, mint, peri peri, salt, caramel etc.
• Makhana is cholesterol-free and contains beneficial nutrients that support cardiovascular health, such as magnesium and potassium.
• Makhana helps in blood sugar regulation as it has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for diabetics when consumed in moderation.
• The phosphorus content in Makhana contributes to maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
