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Fox nuts, also known as makhana or gorgon nut, is a flowering plant that is classified under the family of water lily. Native to Eastern Asia, it grows in water and produces bright purple flowers. The seeds of foxnuts hold significant importance in Indian recipes and have a lot of medicinal properties. Fox nuts seeds are also used in Chinese medication.
Normally, these foxnut plant grow in still waters of wetlands and ponds and require a rich soil for optimal growth. The roots of this plant can extend up to 5 meters deep in the water. Popularly known as makhana, this flowering plant is found in various parts of India such as - Loktak Lake Manipur and Bihar.
Foxnut plant is majorly cultivated for its edible fruits and starchy white seeds. The fruits of this plant are pulpy and soft, about the size of a small orange, and is used as a cooling tonic in China. Further, the seeds of this fruit can be eaten fresh or dried. Each fruit contains about 8 to 15 seeds, which are about the size of a pea. Foxnut seeds are roasted before consumption.
Some basic facts about Fox nuts:
- Botanical name: Euryale ferox
- Family: Nymphaeaceae
- Common name: Makhana
- Parts used: The fruit is used as a cooling tonic food in China and the edible seeds are often used in soups by the Chinese.
- Native region and geographical distribution: This plant was first cultivated in China about 3000 years ago. It is also found in parts of India, Japan and Korea.
- Interesting fact: In India, Foxnuts, also known as makhanas, hold significance in the religious ceremonies. It is a popular food eaten during Navratri.
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