What’s The Deal With Makhana?

You might have heard about Makhana from your grandmother or about fox nuts from your health enthusiast friend. While they have been around from a long time, recently they have come in the spotlight for being a super healthy snack. These puffy white coloured balls resemble popcorn but are way way healthier. Let’s see what is the big deal with Makhana and why everyone seems to be obsessed with it!

How Is Makhana Made

Fox nuts, also known as makhana, are the edible seeds of the Euryale Ferox, a plant that is found primarily in the shallow wetlands of eastern India and Southeast Asia. This plant is also known as the prickly water lily. It has a purplish flower which grows above the water while the seeds remain submerged below its wide leaves.

In India, the majority of the makhana production takes place in the eastern states of Bihar and West Bengal. In these areas, the plant is grown in flooded fields and harvested by hand. The harvesting of these black seeds is quite a labour intensive practice. Farmers wade into the water and collect the seeds using a bamboo apparatus called the ‘gaanj’.

The seeds are then dried in the sun for a day or two. They are sorted according to size and then roasted. These roasted black seeds are then pounded. Once the black covering is broken, a white makhana pops out! These makhanas are then cleaned and shipped off.They come in various forms such as roasted, salted, or sweetened. Makhana or fox nuts is a popular snack food in India and is also used in various traditional cuisines and desserts.

Benefits of Makhana/ Foxnuts

1. Low calorie and high fibre content: Makhana is a low calorie snack that is also high in fibre, making it a great option for those on a weight loss regime.
2. Heart-healthy: Makhana is rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are all important for maintaining heart health. It is also low in sodium, making it a great alternative to other salty snacks.
3. Good source of protein: Makhana is a good source of protein, making it a great snack for vegetarians and vegans who need to meet their daily protein requirements.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Makhana is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
5. Boosts energy: Makhana is high in carbohydrates, making it a great snack to help boost energy levels. It is also a slow-release energy source, meaning it provides sustained energy throughout the day.

Makhana Recipes 

Two simple Makhana recipes that you can try are Makhana kheer and Makhana curry.

Makhana Kheer: This is a classic Indian dessert made by boiling makhana in milk along with sugar and other flavourings such as cardamom and saffron. The mixture is then cooked until thick and creamy, resulting in a delicious and nutritious sweet dish.

Makhana Curry: This is a savoury dish made by sautéing makhana with spices and vegetables such as tomatoes, onion, and garlic. The mixture is then simmered in a creamy sauce, resulting in a hearty and flavourful meal that can be served with rice or chapati/naan/roti.

Makhana is popular for a reason. With many health benefits, makhana can be a healthy snack as well as a main ingredient in a dish. It is a tasty low calorie snack to integrate into your healthy lifestyle. The No BS makhanas come in two flavours: the himalayan pink salt and the cheddar cheese. Both of them have great but distinct tastes. Perfect for healthy snacking, we urge you to try the No BS snacks today!