Mahua is a deciduous tree of the dry region. It is a multipurpose tree, mostly grown on wastelands in the North and Central part of the country where generally tropical and subtropical climates prevail. It grows in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh. Post-harvest practices of Mahua flower were practiced in the Mahua growing districts of Odisha. Scientific interventions at different post-harvest stages i.e. collection, drying, stamen removal, and storage are recommended for maintaining the quality of the flower. Different marketable value-added food products like dried flower, candied flower, Mahua bar, Ready-To-Serve beverages (RTS), squash, laddu, and cake can be prepared and the products are well appreciated by the consumers. There is tremendous scope for the development and value addition of the Mahua flower for the economic development of the tribal community.

1. MAHUA FLOWER CANDY

2. MAHUA FLOWER Ready-to-Serve (RTS)

3. MAHUA LADOO

4. MAHUA BAR

5. MAHUA SQUASH

(Content shared by Stephy Das, Consultant, PMFME PMU, NIFTEM Kundli)