Euryale Ferox…local name : *Makhana*, Fox nut. This highly nutritious, much publicised food these days is confused to be made from lotus seeds. Makhana, is made from water based perennial spiny fox plant, a species of water lily plant, through a long and very laborious process in water ponds. Bihar, India is largest producer of Makhana with 90% share of world production. Makhana is rich in calcium and various micronutrients, reduces BP and cholesterol, good in chronic conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, weight loss etc… besides having so many other health benefits. It is widely used in culinary as well in kheers, snacks (now available in tetrapacks), etc.
Fox nut flower
Spiny weavy Fox nut leaf more than a meter at times.
- Makhanas sold commercially