Product Knowledge

What is Makhana?

Makhana, also known as fox nuts, lotus seeds, or gorgon nuts, comes from the aquatic plant Euryale ferox. Native to India and cultivated widely in Bihar, it has been a cherished snack and ceremonial food for centuries.

These puffed seeds are light, crunchy, and nutritious — commonly used in sweets, curries, and as a healthy snacking.

How is Makhana Grown?

1. Cultivation in Water Bodies
   Grown in shallow ponds (0.2–2 m deep) with floating thorny leaves and vibrant purple flowers.
2. Harvesting
   Involves skilled workers wading into ponds to collect seeds from the muddy bottom using bamboo poles called kaara.

Processing 

A. Cleaning & Drying

• Seeds are washed, shaken using gaanja-style containers, sun-dried to around 31% moisture, then stored.

B. Grading

• Sieved through multiple layers to sort by size—ensuring uniform roasting

Roasting & Popping

1. Preheating & Tempering
   Seeds are roasted in cast-iron pans or earthen pitchers at 250–320 °C, then rested for 2–3 days.
2. Popping
   Heated seeds are cracked manually with wooden mallets, causing them to puff into white edible puffs called lawa.
3. Polishing & Packaging
   After popping, seeds are smoothed in bamboo baskets, then packaged in moisture-resistant bags.

Mechanization & Quality

Modern facilities, such as those from ICAR–CIPHET, use mechanized roasting and popping to improve safety, uniformity, and hygiene — while traditional ручной methods are still valued for authenticity.

Why This Matters for You

• Authenticity & Quality: Knowing the entire journey ensures you’re getting premium, traditionally prepared Makhana.
• Health & Safety: Hygienic, graded products, with minimal intervention, retain nutritional value.
• Ethical Sourcing: By supporting direct sourcing from Bihar farmers, we contribute to fair trade and sustainable livelihoods.
  
  
  Makhana Grading Table

Grade Name	Millimeter (mm) Range (approx.)	Description	Typical Usage
Murra	9.5 mm - 12.7 mm	Smallest grade, may have slightly irregular shapes. Also known as "Samundha."	Economical options, kheer mix, powder, Ayurvedic preparations.
4 Suta	12.7 mm - 15.8 mm	Pure 4 Suta Makhana. Smaller, but still widely used.	Economical, daily cooking, flavoring, some snack mixes.
4+ Suta	12.7 mm - 15.8 mm	Selected 4 Suta, with a higher percentage of uniform, well-popped nuts. May contain a few slightly smaller ones.	Good for regular snacking, bulk sales, cost-effective brand packing.
5 Suta	15 mm - 18 mm	A popular medium size, good balance of size and quality.	Everyday snacking, general culinary use, standard brand packing.
5+ Suta	15 mm - 18 mm	Superior quality within the 5 Suta range. Larger, more consistent, and fewer broken pieces than standard 5 Suta.	Mainly for export oriented. Premium snacking, better brand positioning, quality-focused recipes.
5+ Handpicked	15 mm - 18 mm	Highest quality within the 5 Suta range. Manually sorted to ensure maximum uniformity, minimal defects (broken, discolored, flat).	High-end snack brands, gifting, gourmet cooking, where appearance is paramount.
6 Suta	18 mm - 21 mm	Premium market grade. Noticeably larger and more visually appealing.	Premium snacking, special occasions, upscale retail.
6+	> 21 mm	Extra-large, very rare, and considered top-tier.	Luxury export markets, luxury segments, gourmet chefs.

• Important Considerations for Grading:
• • "Handpicked": This term implies a manual sorting process, leading to a much higher percentage of whole, uniform, and defect-free makhanas. This significantly increases the value and is often associated with premium products.
  • Uniformity: Beyond just the "suta" size, the consistency of size within a batch is a key quality indicator. A batch of 5+ Suta handpicked should have very little variation in size between individual nuts.
  • Whiteness/Color: High-grade makhanas should be sparkling white or creamy white. Any yellowing or discoloration indicates lower quality or older stock.
  • Texture and Crispness: Premium makhanas are light, airy, and consistently crunchy.
  • Minimal Defects: High grades should have very few flat, broken, or unpopped kernels.
    
    

• •  Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving of Makhana)

  Nutrient	Amount
  Energy	347 kcal
  Protein	9.7 g
  Total Fat	0.1 g
  – Saturated Fat	0.05 g
  – Trans Fat	0 g
  Carbohydrates	76.9 g
  – Sugars	0.8 g
  – Dietary Fiber	14.5 g
  Sodium	7 mg
  Potassium	500 mg
  Calcium	60 mg
  Magnesium	96 mg
  Iron	1.4 mg
  Phosphorus	180 mg

  • Highlights:
  • • Low in fat & sodium
    • Gluten-free & cholesterol-free
    • Rich in fiber and essential minerals
    • Great for weight management and snacking

10 Health Benefits of Makhana

1.  Rich in Antioxidants
   Contains flavonoids like kaempferol, which fight inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases.
2.  Supports Heart Health
   Low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat — great for maintaining cardiovascular wellness.
3.  Aids in Weight Management
   High fiber and low calories help you feel full longer without overeating.
4.  Controls Blood Sugar
   Low glycemic index and complex carbs make it ideal for diabetics.
5.  Improves Digestion
   High fiber content promotes smooth bowel movement and gut health.
6.  Boosts Energy Naturally
   Good source of slow-digesting carbs and plant-based protein.
7.  Strengthens Bones
   Rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for bone density and strength.
8.  Detoxifies the Body
   Supports kidney function and helps flush out toxins.
9.  Enhances Skin Health
   Antioxidants and amino acids help repair skin and delay signs of aging.
10.  Supports Cognitive Function
    Contains thiamine, which helps in production of acetylcholine — vital for brain health.