Makhana - The SuperFood

 A few yrs ago, Makhana used to be an Indian snack that nobody paid attention to

Everyone thought it’s worthless

To their utter SHOCK, it’s now the most sought-after superfood on earth, selling at a 4000% profit margin!

Makhana has been a part of India’s culinary and nutritional heritage for centuries. They get special attention during Navratra and wedding season. As they are used in various rituals and eaten during fasts as they have a high amount of protein that keeps you filled for long. Now, the Makhana that comes from the marshy ponds of Bihar has gained global recognition as a superfood. They are known as Fox Nuts, Euryale Ferox, Lotus Seeds, & Gorgon Nuts in different parts of the world. Makhana were always cherished, but they were not that big of a deal.

Makhana has always been popular in South East and East Asian countries like

— India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Russia, Korea, etc.

In China, raw makhana seed powder is an essential ingredient in baby food. Then it’s also used extensively in Chinese pastries and Japanese desserts.

But the demand of Makhana has dramatically increased in the past 5 years.

It has crossed continents and reached the elite markets of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Makhana which is sold for ₹900 - ₹1,200 / kg in India is sold for $100-$170 / kg in the US & UK. Which amounts to ₹8,000 - ₹14,000 / kg!

One of the primary reasons behind this crazy popularity of Makhana is the growing awareness about healthy snacking habits. With pandemic and lifestyle diseases on the rise, people have become more mindful about what they eat.

They are opting for nutrient-dense snacks like Makhana, which not only satiate their hunger but also provides them with essential nutrients.

Makhana is the flag bearer of good health.

It's low in calories and fats, and rich in carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, and minerals. Which helps in maintaining body weight, healthy skin, and balance stress levels. The people who are into vegan diet and holistic living, see Makhana as a healthy alternative to 

— popcorn, chips, & cookies.

But Makhana isn't as tasty as chips or cookies.

In fact, it has a very neutral almost characterless taste. You might think you’re biting into a foamed thermocol.

But its neutrality is an asset. It can take on any flavour you add to it.

Brands like Makhanawala’s, Nutty Fox, Too Yum, Wonderland, Sattviko, Mr Makhana, Nummy, and even Haldiram have introduced diverse flavours such as — wasabi, mint, peri-peri, cheese, turmeric, tomato, jalapeño, himalayan salt, bombay Chaat, chocolate, and caramel.

Makahana grows best in places with hot, dry summers and cold winters, which pretty much sums up the weather in Bihar.

The farmers who grow Makhana make 4-5 times more money than any other crop.

And that's why it is called — The Cash Crop of Bihar.  Nearly 15,000 hectares of land in Bihar are dedicated to the cultivation of Makhana.

Hence, 85% of the world’s Makhana produce comes from there.

The rest of the plantation of Makhana is widespread from northeast India to China, Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern Russia.

The Cultivation of makhana is deemed so important to Bihar that there’s a dedicated Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga under ICAR-RCER (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Research Complex for Eastern Region).

The cultivation process for Makhana is labour-intensive.

It requires farmers to collect the nuts from water bodies, dry them, and then pop them to extract the edible kernel. It is hailed as an organic product as it is farmed without any fertiliser or toxic pesticides. But after it gained the status of superfood, that’s not the case anymore.

You see, calling a food superfood creates a gap between supply and demand because of the change in consumer behaviour. So to bridge this gap, Makhanas that were traditionally grown in ponds are now also grown in fields. The ponds used to provide the aquatic life and essential nutrients required for the crops.

But when they are grown in fields, extra nutrients and fertilizers have to be added. 

The global Makhana market was valued at $109 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $192.6 million by 2030. Hence, aqua farming (growing of makhana in fields) is being encouraged even more. Seeing the growth of Makhana, 6 districts of Bihar —Araria, Darbhanga, Katihar, Madhubani, Saharsa, and Supaul, have been identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) for Makhana.

Also, the ‘Mithila Makhana’ was awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag by the government. Makhana’s popularity has come a long way from the depths of murky lakes to the skies, and seeking its spotlight as a superfood.