Euryale ferox — GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar, graded using the traditional Suta system from 3 Suta to 6+ Suta. India's fastest-growing health food export.
Foxnuts — known as Makhana or Phool Makhana in India — are the popped seeds of the Euryale ferox aquatic plant, cultivated in the freshwater wetlands and ponds of Bihar's Mithila region, and also Madhya Pradesh.
Mithila Makhana holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising Bihar as the authentic origin of this product. It is graded using the traditional Suta system — where 1 Suta equals approximately 3.17mm in diameter. Larger Suta grades command premium prices in export markets.
Vyantra Overseas supplies Makhana from 3 Suta to 6+ Suta, including hand-picked premium batches. All packing is moisture-free vacuum-sealed to preserve the natural crunch and freshness during export.
The Suta grading system is the traditional trade standard for Makhana in India. 1 Suta = approximately 3.17mm diameter. Higher Suta = larger, rarer, and more valuable Makhana. The following grades are what Vyantra Overseas supplies:
| Grade | Approx. Size | Trade Position | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Suta | ~9.5mm | Economy grade | Bulk cooking, industrial food processing, curries |
| 4 Suta | ~12–15mm | Standard grade | Daily cooking, kheer, curries, affordable retail |
| 4+ Suta | ~12–16mm (handpicked) | Standard handpicked | Clean retail, zero black spots, zero hard kernels |
| 5 Suta | ~15–19mm | Premium grade (most popular) | Branded snacks, roasted makhana, mainstream retail |
| 5+ Suta | ~19mm+ (jumbo) | Premium export grade | Export markets, luxury gifting, gourmet snack brands |
| 6 Suta | ~19–22mm | Premium "Maharaja Grade" | Ultra-premium export, luxury gifting, exclusive brands |
| 6+ Suta (Handpicked) | ~22mm+ individually inspected | Reserve export grade | Top 1% of harvest — luxury and high-end retail only |
* 1 Suta ≈ 3.17mm. The Suta system is the recognised wholesale trade standard for Makhana in Bihar and Indian export markets. For B2B buyers and international trade, 5 Suta and above are the most commonly requested export grades. 6 and 6+ Suta represent less than 5% of annual harvest. Source: Bihar Makhana trade standards; MeraKisan.com; MakhanaFarm.co.in.
Foxnuts are widely recognised as a nutritious, clean-label snack. The following reflects their general nutritional properties and traditional wellness associations — not medical claims.
Foxnuts contain approximately 9–10g of protein per 100g — making them one of the more protein-rich plant-based snacks available, supporting satiety and muscle maintenance.
Makhana has a lower glycaemic index compared to many snack foods, meaning it releases energy more slowly — making it a popular choice for health-conscious and diabetic-friendly diets.
Low in saturated fat and sodium, with notable magnesium content — Makhana fits well within heart-healthy dietary patterns. However, it should not be marketed as a treatment for any condition.
Foxnuts contain kaempferol, a naturally occurring flavonoid with documented antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress — an area of ongoing scientific study.
Makhana provides calcium and phosphorus — important minerals for bone and teeth health. These contribute to overall bone mineral density as part of a balanced diet.
Very low in total fat (approximately 0.1g/100g), high in dietary fibre, and highly filling — Makhana is a popular choice in calorie-conscious and weight-management diets globally.
The following reflects Makhana's traditional role in Ayurvedic medicine and areas of scientific interest. This is informational only — not medical advice.
In Ayurvedic tradition, Makhana (Makhana / Padma Beeja) is classified as a Vajikaran (vitality-enhancing) herb. Traditionally used to support reproductive health, strengthen the body, and restore energy.
Makhana's mild astringent quality has led to its traditional use in managing loose stools and digestive weakness. It is gentle on the digestive system and widely used in convalescent diets in India.
A longstanding tradition in Indian culture — Makhana preparations (kheer, roasted with ghee) are given to women after childbirth as a nutritious, easily digestible recovery food rich in calcium and protein.
Kaempferol — found in Makhana — is an active area of scientific research. Some laboratory studies have explored its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These findings require further clinical study.
Makhana prepared in warm milk is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for insomnia and restlessness. The calming effect is attributed to its sattvic (pure) nature in Ayurvedic classification.
Mithila Makhana holds an official Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India, recognising Bihar's Mithila region as the authentic origin of premium quality foxnuts.
Roasted, flavoured, and marketed as a premium snack — Makhana is replacing popcorn and chips in health-food stores across the US, UK, and Europe.
Makhana kheer (milk pudding) is a classic Indian dessert. Also used in barfis, laddoos, and halwa for festive and everyday occasions.
Foxnuts absorb sauces beautifully — used in makhana curries, kormas, and stir-fries as a protein-rich vegetarian and vegan ingredient.
Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly — widely used in wellness products, plant-based diets, and specialty food ranges worldwide.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount per 100g (raw) | Reference % DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~347 kcal | ~17% |
| Carbohydrates (total) | ~77 g | ~28% |
| Dietary Fibre | ~14 g | ~50% |
| Sugars | ~0 g | — |
| Protein | ~9–10 g | ~19% |
| Total Fat | ~0.1 g | ~0.1% |
| Saturated Fat | ~0 g | ~0% |
| Calcium | ~60 mg | ~5% |
| Iron | ~1.4 mg | ~8% |
| Magnesium | ~67 mg | ~16% |
| Potassium | ~500 mg | ~11% |
| Phosphorus | ~200 mg | ~16% |
* Reference Daily Values based on a 2,000 kcal diet. Values are approximate for raw/unroasted Makhana and will differ for roasted or flavoured variants. Kaempferol is present but no standardised daily value is established. All nutritional claims in product labelling should be based on independent laboratory testing of the specific batch.
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