Makhana (Foxnut), also known as Gorgon Nut, is grown in India, Korea, Japan and Russia. It comes from the lotus seeds. Foxnut (Makhana) can be mixed with vegetables, popped like corn and made into yummy porridge. Makhana has been proven to be high nutrients food which is rich in medicinal properties and good for daily health diet. The nutrients contained are vitamin, 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.

It is extensively grown in marshy wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, and harvested for its seed. Other common names include prickly water lily seeds, popped lotus seeds, foxnut or gorgon nut.

Makhana is unique because it is:

• Low in fat and high in carbohydrates which makes it nutritionally distinct from other nuts.
• Highly rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
• Better than dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, coconut and cashews in terms of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content.
• Significantly lower in the glycaemic index than most high carbohydrate foods like rice or bread.
• Known to contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid also found in coffee (which prevents inflammation and ageing) and are high on phyto-nutrients (disease fighting nutrients) including alkaloids, gallic acid, saponins.