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What is Makhana.
Makhana also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds or water lily seeds, is primarily grown in the waters of wetlands, ponds, lakes in the regions of Bihar, West bengal and parts of Madhya pradesh in India. These areas provide the ideal conditions for lotus plants, and makhana is harvested from the seed pods of these plants.
Farmers often follow traditional farming practices, including natural fertilization and entire process is labor-intensive, with the cultivation and harvesting being done manually to maintain the delicate nature of the Euryale ferox plant and seeds.
Innovative ways to craft culinary arts with Phool Makhana
Roasted Snack
Roast them with a bit of clarified butter or olive oil and then sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings and spices for a healthy snack.
Crunchy Snack Mix
Incorporate phool makhana into a crunchy snack mix by combining them with nuts, peanuts, seeds, and spices. Roast them together for a nutritional and flavorful snack.
Chocolate-Coated Treats
Dip phool makhana in melted dark chocolate for a delicious and satisfying sweet treat. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts for enchancing the flavours.
Curries and Gravies Topping
Use roasted phool makhana as a crunchy topping for curries and soups. They add a unique texture and nutty flavor to your favorite dishes.
Trail Mix Addition
Mix phool makhana with dried fruits, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips to create a nutritious and energizing trail mix for on-the-go snacking.
Cereal Substitute
Replace traditional cereal with roasted phool makhana for a gluten-free and grain-free breakfast option. Serve with milk or yogurt and fresh fruits for a satisfying meal.
Stir-Fries
Add roasted phool makhana to stir-fries for a healthy crunch. They pair well with vegetables, tofu, and your favorite sauces for a quick and easy meal.
Snacking
Enjoy the plain or flavoured makhana as a standalone snack or roast it with your favorite spices, such as curry powder, turmeric, or chili flakes, for a flavorful alternative to popcorn.
Energy Bites
Blend roasted phool makhana with dates, nuts, and seeds to make homemade energy bites. Roll them into balls and enjoy as a nutritious snack or dessert.
Yogurt Parfait Layer
Layer roasted phool makhana with Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh fruits to create a delicious and satisfying parfait for breakfast or dessert.
Indian Dessert Fusion
Incorporate phool makhana into traditional Indian desserts like kheer or other Indian desserts for added texture and flavor. They soak up the creamy richness of the dessert while adding a delightful crunch.
Effective Ways to Store Phool Makhana
Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer the phool makhana to an air-tight container or a zip-lock bag to keep them fresh and prevent moisture from getting in. This will also maintain it's crunchiness, preserving its texture and taste for a longer period.
Cool and Dry Place
Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can accelerate the process of rancidity in makhana, causing it to lose its nutritional value and become stale faster. Store makhana in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard to protect it from sunlight exposure. This helps in preserving its natural flavor and nutrients.
Refrigeration
If you live in a particularly humid environment, you may consider storing phool makhana in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
Regularly Check for Pests
Makhana can attract pests like insects and weevils, especially if stored in open or unsealed containers. To avoid contamination and spoilage, inspect the makhana periodically for any signs of pests. If you notice any pests, discard the affected batch and clean the storage container thoroughly before refilling it with fresh makhana.
Consume Within a Reasonable Timeframe
While makhana has a relatively long shelf life when stored properly, it's best to consume it within a reasonable timeframe to enjoy its freshness and nutritional benefits. Aim to consume makhana within a few months of purchase for the best quality. Rotate your stock regularly to ensure you're always consuming the freshest batch.
Creative ways to enjoy Foxnut Premix Powder
Smoothies and Shakes
Enhance the nutritional profile of your morning smoothies and shakes by adding a spoonful of Makhana Powder. Its Subtle flavor and creamy texture blend seamlessly with fruits, vegetables, and your choice of milk or yogurt.
Baking
substituting a portion of your regular flour with foxnut powder, enhances the nutritional value of your baked treats. Goes well with puddings, pies, cookies, truffles, muffins and even ice creams. Elevate your treats with the subtle nuttiness and enjoy the added protein and fiber without compromising on taste or texture.
Soups & Stews
Use Makhana Powder as a thickening agent in soups, stews, and curries to add a creamy texture and gives velvety-smooth consistency with added nutritional value.
Coatings and Crumbs
Give your favorite dishes a healthy twist by using foxnut powder as a coating or crumb for for fried or baked dishes or vegetables. Achieve a crispy, golden exterior with an added boost of protein and fiber.
Energy-Boosting Bars and Snacks
Create delicious and energizing snacks by combining foxnut powder with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. Form into bars, balls, or clusters for convenient, on-the-go fuel.
Wholesome Breakfast Bowls
Start your day off right with wholesome breakfast bowls featuring foxnut powder as a nutritious topping or mix-in. Pair with oats, yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Refreshing Beverages
Quench your thirst and replenish your body with refreshing beverages infused with foxnut powder. From lattes and teas to mocktails and smoothie bowls, stay hydrated while reaping the benefits of this nutrient-rich ingredient.
Salad Dressings
Add a tablespoon of foxnut powder with vinegar and olive oil to your favorite salad for a nutritional boost and a subtle nutty flavor.
Dips and Sauces
Incorporate foxnut powder into yogurt-based dips or creamy sauces for added texture and nutrition.
Indian Sweets
Incorporate foxnut powder in traditional Indian sweets like ladoos, barfis or kheer for a healthier twist and enhanced flavour.
Yogurt Topping
Sprinkle foxnut powder over yogurt along with fresh fruits and honey for a nutritious and delicious topping.
Health Benefits Of Makhana
WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTION
By being high in fibre and low in fat Makhana helps the metabolism system, making your stomach feel full, while low fat is an immediate support in any weight loss diet program.
INSOMNIA REMEDY
Instead of taking sleeping pills, take Makhana! Proven to help, it is a much healthier solution to deal with insomnia.
CONTAINS SPECIAL ENZYME TO FIGHT AGEING
Makhana is rich in kaempferol which is a well known anti-aging property. It helps to make your skin Glow
GOOD FOR BLOOD PRESSURE
The high potassium and lower sodium contained in Makhana is good for anyone with hypertension. It helps to regulate blood pressure.
RICH IN CALCIUM
Makhana is a good snack as well as a good source of calcium. 60mg in every 100g.
HEALTHY HEART
Makhana contains medical properties which are believed to strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular function. The low sodium and high magnesium, protein and calcium content in makhana contribute to heart health by helping regulate blood pressure.
HIGH PROTEIN
Protein levels are high but also gluten-free, so Makhana is highly recommended for those who are allergic to gluten but need healthy snacks to ingest protein.
GOOD FOR KIDNEYS
By helping blood to circulate properly and eases kidney function. They detoxify and cleanse the spleen and help in flushing out all the toxins from the body.
PREVENT INFLAMMATION
Makhanas has a compound called ‘kaempferol’ that helps in minimizing inflammation in the body. Makhana is also very rich in flavonoids, a natural chemical that help reduce the risk and prevention of inflammation.
RELEASE STRESS
Makhana contains Magnesium which is known to have calming effects on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress issues.
ARTHRITIS SOLUTION
For those with arthritis, Makhana’s high calcium content is a real benefit.
HELPING TO DEAL WITH DIGESTION
Makhana is recommended for those with digestion issues because its very high fibre content is proven to be good for body metabolism.
COFFEE SUBSTITUTE
Roasted Makhana could become a coffee substitute. For those worried about having too much coffee being bad for their health, substituting coffee with Makhana is the healthier solution.
DIABETES MANAGEMENT
With a low glycemic index, makhana can be a suitable snack for individuals managing diabetes, helpin g to regulate blood sugar levels.
ARTHRITIS SOLUTION
For those with arthritis, Makhana’s high calcium content is a real benefit.
HELPING TO DEAL WITH DIGESTION
Makhana is recommended for those with digestion issues because its very high fibre content is proven to be good for body metabolism.