What is Makhana?
Makhana is the most popular name in India for Euryale ferox, a flowering plant classified in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae) and the only extant species in the genus Euryale.
How grown
- Makhana is basically seeds of the lily like lotus plant. grown in marshy wetlands, POKHRAS ie ponds and lakes. where from seeds harvested is Mahana. It has different names viz prickly water lily seeds, popped lotus seeds, foxnut or gorgon nut.
- It is the most labor intensive production process.
- Farmers work tirelessly wading through waist or nose deep water kneeling in scorching sun and then roasting the seeds in a carefully managed temperature and humidity controlled condition in series of heated woks.
- On the surface, the water the plant looks like lotus plants, huge sized gigantic leaves floating on water. It’s black seeds are surrounded by piercing thorns-Nature’s defense mechanism. It is a real professional hazard and danger to workers while harvesting the seeds.
- The ripe seeds fall at the bottom of the pond by kneeling could be plucked when water is muddy, not clear to see and avoid the thorns.
- The next step is to Sun Dry seeds to remove all the moisture content.
- After drying, next process is gentle roasting in a clay wok.
- After the first roast the seeds need to rest overnight for 15 hours, the next day it s roasted again.
- Highly nutritious, it is a fully organic found principally in Bihar State of India from where the Proprietor of Monchen comes from. Bihar alone accounts for 90% of world production of Makhana.
Nutritional Profile
100 grams of Makhana contains 347 calories, 9.7g protein, 0.1g fat, 76.9g carbohydrates, 14.5g fiber, 60mg calcium, and 1.4mg iron ².
Grades of Makhana
Makhana (Fox Nuts) grades vary based on factors like size, shape, color, processing, and quality. Here are common grades:
Processing-Based Grades
- Raw Makhana: Unroasted and unsalted.
- Roasted Makhana: Roasted and seasoned.
- Flavored Makhana: Coated with spices, herbs, or other flavorings.
- Popped Makhana: Fully puffed and crispy.
Quality-Based Grades
- Organic Makhana: Cultivated without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Non-Organic Makhana
Size-Based Grades
- Jumbo: Large (≥ 12 mm diameter)
- Medium: 8-12 mm diameter
- Small: ≤ 8 mm diameter
Color-Based Grades
- White: Premium quality, natural white color
- Off-White/Cream: Slightly yellowish or creamy
- Brown/Dark: Lower quality, darker color
Certification-Based Grade
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): Ensures compliance with Indian food safety regulations.
- ISO 22000: International food safety management standard.
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): Ensures food safety through systematic control.
Before placement of order, we shall confirm if your quality and grade or available at the time of supply.
5.0/5
Mr. JK Sharan (MONCHEN)
56 , SFS, AURBINDO MARG, NEW DELHI, Hauz Khas - 110016
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