Makhana (Euryale ferox, Salisb, qian shi) ia a specie of NYMPHAEACEAE ,family.It is known as fox nut Kenjitsu,Komsil, Hin sat, Qian shi, Ji tou, Ji tou shi, Tao Quin shi, Su quin, ji tou mi and prickly lily seed in different parts of the world. It is an aquatic produce harvested from the ditches ,land depressions and ponds etc without any use of fertilizers and pesticides hence it is called ORGANIC herbal food naturally . Makhana( fox nut) plant does not have stem. It has large round leaves and produces bright purple flowers. The whole plant is covered with small thorns( kanta). The leaves of makhana plant have green upper surface and purple shaded lower surface. This plant produces fruits which are about the size of a small orange.Each fruits contains 8-10 seeds which are of pea size.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
For Geographic reason North Bihar in India is the heaven for Makhana production . Around 85 – 90% of the total makhana comes from Bihar’s wetlands . Although it is grown in Korea ,Japan ,Russia and Hunan, Anhui , Shantong and Jiangsu province of Peoples Republic of China.
MAKHANA PROPERTY
Makhana is superior to dryfruits such as almonds ,walnut , coconut and cashew nut in term of sugar ,protein and ascorbic acid and Phenol content. It is even superior to many Plant and animal based diets,’It has enough herbal medicinal properties hence the American Herbal Products Association has given Makhana (Qian shi) seed a class 1 (A one) rating. The same is mentioned as under :-
NUTRITIONAL FACTS Makhana / 100g(in %)
Protein 9.70%
Carbohydrates 76.90%
Fat 0.10%
Calcium 0.02%
Phosphorous 0.90%
Kerotine 1.40mg.fe/100gms
Besides the above it has iron, zinc, thiamine(vitaminB1), nicotinic acid, carotene, minerals.
USAGE
MEDICINAL
Sweet, astringent in flavour , neutral in nature, Makhana is tropistic to the spleen and kidney channels. It can reinforce the spleen , kidney and as astringent remedy . It has an effect of preservating body essence and arresting chronic diarrhoea, seminal discharge, spermatorrhea, and leucorrhagia. Being antioxident, makhana helps in respiratory systems, veins, digestion , frequent urination .It helps in Cardio Protection. Makhana is very useful for women during pregnancy and post natal weaknesses.It is a superior herb highly regarded for restoring sexual vigor and youthful energy in older men. It regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees. It is suitable for arthritis, impotence and even in premature aging.
SNACKS
Being the herbal and medicinal properties Makhana is used in various purposes. Makhana is consumed as dry fruit snacks by roasting . Being roasted & sprinkle spices on it proves a tastier hygienic and digestive health snacks. Home made roasted makhana can get rid of the junk chips and other snacks from the children’s ill habits. In 100gms Makhana has 360 k calorie.
ORGANIC HERB
Makhana is harvested from the stagnant wetlands. In the whole cultivation and even post harvest neither fertilizers nor pesticides is used. After harvesting the leaves and stems remained in the same waterbodies which proves as fertilizer for the next crop, hence it is called ORGANIC naturally. Being herb, Makhana is one of the main ingredient of herbal medicines.
NO PESTICIDE NO SUICIDE ONLY ORGANIC
ORGANIC FOOD GOOD FOR NATURE GOOD FOR YOU
FOOD PREPARATION
Makhana is one of the most essential ingredients for delicious food prepareation. Makhana Kheer & Sewai made of makhana only is a lazeej itself. It is used in Pudding, milk based sweets . Dal Makhani & vegetable curries prove delicious when makhana is spread for taste and thickening object.Makhana raita is very tastier and it is digestive in nature.
A few Makhana Recipes is as under :-
PUJA & HAVAN
Being the GOD’s FOOD, Makhana is used in all the worshipping ceremonies,Offering Puja, during fast & havan due to its heavenly nature. In big temples and religious ceremony, Makhana is offered as Prasad and distributed among devotees. From the early childhood upto older age this is the best diet and even after death makhana is used in the funeral of a human being.
ZINDGI KE SATH BHI ZINDGI KE BAAD BHI
INDUSTRIAL USE
Besides medicines, Makhana is used as Starch for coating in the quality fabrics like Banarasi sarees etc.
FACTS TO KNOW
1. Makhana helps in Cardic Protection.
2. It helps in building action in dysentery ,frequent urination.
3. Makhan is anti oxidant.
4. It is digestive and good for all age groups
5. 25gm makhana a day means a healthy food ,diet for the whole family.
6. Makhana regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees.
7. It is suitable for arthritis , impotence, and premature aging and recomanded for the women during pregnancy and post natal weaknesses. |
