Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Makhana (Fox Nuts) is a type of seed derived from the Euryale ferox plant. They’re also sometimes referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds. Makhanas are widely cultivated throughout Asia and often used in traditional forms of medicine to treat various conditions.

Makhanas also called fox nuts, or lotus seeds, which grows in the stagnant water of wetlands or ponds in Eastern Asia.

Production Statistics of Makhana (Fox Nuts):

Who are the top 3 producers of Makhana (Fox Nuts) in the World?

India is one of the world’s largest and highest-quality makhana producers. Makhana has long been a component of Indian vegetarian food.
Makhana is also grown in Korea, Japan and Russia. It comes from the lotus seeds.

Which city is famous for makhana?

Approximately 3000 MT of makhana is traded annually in the district of Katihar and about 3500 MT in Purnia of Bihar State of India. Katihar town and Kada Gola are the two important markets in district Katihar, while Harda, Sapni, Khushkibagh, Belauri and Gulabbagh are important markets in district Purnia.

Which countries import Makhana?

Makhana is highly popular in countries such as India, China, Japan, and Thailand. The potential of the Makhana market in Western countries such as the UK and the US is still untapped.

Which country imports makhana from India?

The top 3 importers of Makhana are United States with 7,824 shipments followed by Canada with 2,447 and Australia at the 3rd spot with 2,005 shipments.

Climatic Conditions for Makhana cultivation:

It grows in water, producing bright purple flowers. In India, Makhana normally grows in ponds and wetlands.

Other Facts about Makhana:

What is makhana called in Ayurveda?

Fox nut (Lotus seed, Makhana) is used both as food and medicine in Ayurveda and Chinese systems. It is indicated in gastritis, bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding etc. Its seeds are rich in nutrition and used as part of food. It is called Makhanna and Ankhalodya in Sanskrit.

Which is the first Indian variety of makhana?

Patna (Bihar) has developed first variety of Makhana under the name of Swarna Vaidehi. This variety has potential of high yield and resistance to pests-common insects and disease.

Which is the largest producer of Makhana in India?

Gorgon nut or Fox nut, commonly known as Makhana, is mainly cultivated in the states of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Bihar is the leading producer of makhana accounting for more than 85% of the total production of India.

Nearly 90 per cent of the world’s makhana (fox nuts or Gorgon nuts), a super snack, is produced in the Indian state of Bihar.

8 Health Benefits of Makhana (Fox Nuts):

Fox nuts have really high protein content.
Fox nuts make for great anti-ageing food as they have an abundance of anti-oxidants.
Fox nuts are great snack food for diabetics and heart patients as they contain good fat and have a low quantity of saturated fats. In certain animal studies, makhana extract was shown to reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels and improve symptoms of fatty liver disease.
Fox nuts are high in fibre so helping maintain the digestive system.
Fox nuts are great detoxifying agents. They aid in flushing out toxins from the body. They are really beneficial to the spleen which is like a graveyard for cells in the body. It recycles the RBCs (red blood cells). The spleen is the nerve centre of the immune system because it also stores white blood cells and platelets.
They are high in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium. This makes fox nuts an ideal snack for those watching their weight. High potassium and low sodium is a great combination for patients suffering from hypertension.
Apart from magnesium, potassium, and sodium, fox nuts also contain a high amount of calcium. This means they fall under the category of foods that are good for the bones as well as the teeth.
Makhana is also high in thiamine content which means they help in aiding cognitive function as well. The consumption of fox nuts helps the body to produce acetylcholine and thus contributes to the process of neurotransmission. This process of neurotransmission is key to maintaining the good functioning of the nerves.