The Real Cost of Premium Makhana

Have you ever wondered why roasted makhana costs more than its fried contemporaries? It’s because foxnuts undergo an intensive process from pond to table. From hand-harvesting the seeds from muddy pond beds, to sorting and grading by size and quality, there is a lot of effort that is involved.

Let’s take a deeper look at why premium makhana is expensive.

How Roasted Makhana Is Made

Before it becomes a healthy snack, roasted foxnut seeds come from the Euryale ferox plant, which grows in ponds and wetlands. These seeds are collected from the water manually. This is a highly skilled and labour intensive process. The seeds are then thoroughly washed, and are then sun-dried for many days to reduce moisture.

These seeds are then roasted in earthen and iron pans at a very high temperature, which helps them pop. The roasting process is carried out very carefully. The makhana is stirred to prevent burning and ensure the seeds are evenly heated. Then they are kept to rest.

In the next round of roasting, the seeds are transferred to an iron wok. After roasting, the shells harden and each seed is cracked using a wooden hammer. This releases the edible white puffed part inside. Each seed needs to be cracked at the right temperature and pressure for the perfect pop.

Premium Makhana, Explained

Makhana Plants Give Lighter Yield

A single makhana plant gives less yield per year when compared to other crops. Additionally, it has a long growth window, low individual output, and requires intensive processing. The fact that makhana plants give less yield makes this seed more valuable.

Elaborate Harvesting and Processing

The harvesting and processing of fox nuts involve a lot of skilled, manual labour. That includes extracting the seeds, roasting them to perfection, and other processes that require a slow pace and finesse. This adds to the high price point of this delicious snack.

Limited Supply

Makhana are grown in Bihar, MP, and some parts of China. That has created a limited supply that adds to their high cost.

Delicate Roasted Seeds

The popped seeds are delicate and prone to breakage, they require careful packaging and handling, and that adds to the cost of the product.

Branded As A Superfood

Some experts feel that makhana has been branded as a superfood, which has created a higher price point for the roasted seed.

Makhana Nutritional Benefits

Health benefits

• Roasted makhana is a great weight loss snack because it is low in calories and fat. It is rich in fibre to keep you full for longer.
• High in magnesium and potassium, roasted makhana has a low sodium content which helps manage blood pressure and circulation.
• Roasted makhana features a low glycemic index, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar.
• It supports digestion as it is packed with dietary fibre that prevents constipation.
• Makhana also contains calcium and phosphorus, and is rich in antioxidants and amino acids.

Conclusion

It is important for every step of the makhana process to be carried out. Less expensive prices means that corners have been cut, and that leads to an inferior pop. For the most nutritious and delicious puffs, each step must be executed meticulously. That means that the price point may be elevated but for good reason.

For makhana aficionados, a higher price point is never a problem as the roasted makhana has so many nutritional benefits – and tastes great, especially when they’re expertly seasoned like our Makhanas are. Try our Makhanawala’s Peri Peri flavour, or Makhanawala’s Pudina Punch. Reach out to us and buy one of our Makhanawala’s flavoured roasted makhanas today.