Makhana is a household name. Makhana is often offered to gods during festivals or religious functions as the seeds are considered auspicious. It is used to make porridges or sweet puddings for Prasad during pujan or festivals. Makhana is free of Trans fat and is light on the body. Makhana is also known as Gorgon Nut. It is grown in India, Korea, Japan, and Russia. It is obtained from the lotus seeds. Makhana can be mixed with vegetables, popped like corn, and made into yummy porridge. Makhana has been proven to be a high nutrients rich food with medicinal properties for a daily healthy diet. The nutrients contained are vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Makhana is a high-value commodity commercially cultivated only in Bihar and certain parts of eastern India. Besides this, it is grown as a natural crop in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, and Manipur.
There are many values added products that can be made using Makhana that have huge commercial acceptability in the market as well as health benefits. Some of the examples are Roasted Makhana, Flavoured Makhana, Ready Mix Makhana Kheer, Multigrain Puffs, etc.
Value Added Products Manufactured using Makhana
1. Roasted Makhana
Roasted makhanas are very popular among Indian consumers. Roasted with a spoonful of ghee and topped with a dash of salt and pepper, crunchy makhanas taste heavenly. Roasted makhanas are low in cholesterol, fat, and sodium, making them an ideal snack for untimely hunger pangs. They are also gluten-free, protein-rich, and high in carbohydrates. Moreover, makhanas are known to help lose weight. If eaten in the right quantity and right manner, makhanas may stimulate the weight loss journey.
2. Flavoured Makhana
Flavoured makhanas are one of the most consumed makhana-based products in the Market. They are perfect indulgence snacks with a mouth-watering taste. This combination is sure to take consumers' taste buds on an adventure of a lifetime. Most consumed flavoured makhanas include Cream & Onion, Cheesy, Spicy, Salt-n-Pepper, Indian Masala, Barbecue, Salted caramel to name a few.
3. Instant Ready Mix Makhana Kheer
One more popular product which can be made from makhana is Instant Ready Mix Makhana Kheer. It can be topped up with mouth-watering premium ingredients/flavours i.e Kesar Badam, Cardamom Rajbhog, etc to make it more indulgent. The addition of these ingredients creates more acceptance and value in instant-ready mix makhana kheer. It can be mixed with anything to have the goodness of makhana. It is rich in minerals, antioxidants, protein, iron & several other health essentials.
4. Makhana Puffs
Makhana can be used to make healthy value-added products like multigrain puffs. They are made with the freshest of ingredients like multigrain flour made of oats, bajra, jowar, rice, and Bengal gram which are itself considered healthy. These puffs can be seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and spices like ginger, cumin, and chilli to make them tastier and appealing. These Makhana puffs are not just healthy but super tasty and make a great snack for the entire family. They can be served with evening teas or during fun times.
(Content shared by Ms. Garima Kapoor, YP, PMU, NIFTEM)