Makhana is an all-time favorite snack among Indians who love to munch. Its nutritional value makes it a worthy replacement of the overhyped popcorn, a potential that some market players had recognised well in time and they have been introducing flavoured variants in foreign markets.
Makhana (fox nuts) is currently at the center of discussion because Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025 speech, announced the formation of the Makhana Board in Bihar. Simply put, if any region is producing a commodity in high volumes, governments try to make streamlined policies and efforts for its promotion, and hence boards are constituted.
Bihar, being the biggest supplier of Makhana (90 percent), has got the Makhana Board. It will help in pushing the economic activity around the superfood while promoting the state as a rich source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. But do you know how Makhana is made and where it is found?
How this superfood is produced?
Makhana is produced from the seeds of the prickly water lily, which is found in waterlogged areas. Each plant can have around 75-120 seeds. When summer comes, the fruit rots and the seeds float on water. Upon receiving more heat, the seeds sink and lie at the soil bed. After the seeds ripen, they come up to the surface, from where the growers pick them and remove their outer shell.
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Later, the seed is processed in the plant, where it usually takes 4 days to pop up completely before being dried. And your healthy superfood is ready.
What makes Makhana healthy?
Makhana is low in calories and high in protein. Apart from that, it contains magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health. For those working out tirelessly to be in shape, this superfood is the most healthy snack for them, and aptly categorised as a superfood.
Uses of Makhana
It can be used in roasted form with sprinklers, in soups, gravies, and dessert toppings.
Nutrition Table
Each 100 gm of Makhana contains:
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 1.4 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 72 g
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.2 mg (12% DV)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.2 mg (12% DV)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1.1 mg (6% DV)
Iron: 3.0 mg (17% DV)
What a read!