What is Makhana

Introduction

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.

It is extensively grown in marshy wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, and harvested for its seed. Other common names include prickly water lily seeds, popped lotus seeds, foxnut or gorgon nut.

Highly nutritious, it is a fully organic non-cereal food found principally in India (Bihar state alone accounts for 90% of world production) but also in Korea, Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia.

Makhana is not simple crop to cultivate and special skills are required for farming, harvesting and processing. The lotus seeds are meticulously extracted and processed to make them ready to eat. In India, Makhana is famously known as Phool Makhana; due to its unique and flowery appearance.

The Facts

Nutrition and Health

Makhana is unique because it is:

Low in fat and high in carbohydrates which makes it nutritionally distinct from other nuts.

Highly rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

Better than dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, coconut and cashews in terms of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content.

Significantly lower in the glycemic index than most high carbohydrate foods like rice or bread.

Known to contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid also found in coffee (which prevents inflammation and ageing) and are high onphyto-nutrients (disease fighting nutrients) including alkaloids, gallic acid, saponins.