The world is full of super foods which when eaten right and in moderation can keep you healthy throughout.  One such power packed seed is the Fox nut or Makhana.  Makhana has been linked with fasting for decades due to its health benefits.  It has been used by the Chinese as a medicine because it improves our spleen, heart and kidney health by providing us the much-needed protein with almost zero calories.  Makhana dry fruit when compared to other dry fruits like Almonds, walnuts and cashews provides the same amount of nutrition therefore can be given to people of all ages.

History, the study of past which helps a person relate to the present. Yes, we know that you know what history is but mentioning it anyway.
The world is full of super foods which when eaten right and in moderation can keep you healthy throughout.  One such power packed seed is the Fox nut or Makhana.  Makhana has been linked with fasting for decades due to its health benefits.  It has been used by the Chinese as a medicine because it improves our spleen, heart and kidney health by providing us the much-needed protein with almost zero calories.  Makhana dry fruit when compared to other dry fruits like Almonds, walnuts and cashews provides the same amount of nutrition therefore can be given to people of all ages.
The major part of Makhana production in India is done in Bihar but it is Makhana cultivation is also done in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, U.P. etc.   This super food in rich in proteins and fibre but low in fat, a serving of 100 grams of Fox nut provides you about 347 calories of energy which keeps you energized during the day even if you are fasting. It also contains magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus plus has large quantities of vitamins and calcium as well. 
But, stating the nutritional facts and its production does not satisfy the urge of knowing more about it therefore it is important to know the history of Makhana before you put complete trust on it. When we think of incorporating a new food into our daily diet we tend to get a little curious or concerned about its efficacy.  As a consumer we do need to know about the food, its processing and health benefits etc but the most important thing to know about your food is that where it comes from and why is it beneficial for us.  

So, is it important to know the history of your food? Yes, it is and this is why

• Learning about your food brings you closer to it and fill the gaps between your kitchen and the farm it comes from.  It helps you create a bond with your food and you learn to respect it.
• It helps you decide if the food you are about to buy is good enough for you and your family.  If you are into buying packaged and processed food then you might be brining a lot of other chemicals like preservatives, trans fats, sodium and a whole lot of sugar to your table.    

When talking about Makhana or Fox nut one should know that it is a genuine superfood which has made its way into the domestic and international markets with a boom.  India is one of the leading countries that does Makhana farming and is exporting it worldwide.  When talking about its history, Makhana has been around for 200 years ago. 
The beginning of Makhana cultivation took place at Madhubani, Bihar. Initially Makhana farming was done by the poor farmers by using traditional methods but now it is being done in other parts of the country as well.  
It was in the Eighteenth Century when under the reign of the King of Darbhanga the farmers started Makhana cultivation.  The farmers used to get Rs. 3 per acre of the farming of Makhana in those days. The mass production of Makhana brought 40% of the profit in Bihar. Today Makhana farming has reached to Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc and is growing with each passing year.  

Although Makhana dry fruit is majorly produced in India but you can find it mentioned in other cultures as well.  Makhana has been associated with Greece as well and is commonly known as was known as Euryale Ferox which comes from mythical Greek Gorgon who was a frightening woman in Greek History but then again when it comes India Bihar is the place to talk about.
The mass production of Makhana is done in the heart of Bihar and is known as the black diamond.  Makhana processing is done very carefully and different tests are done to bring the best quality Makhana to you home.  As mentioned earlier Makhana cultivation was done through traditional methods earlier but Makhana processing is now being done by using modern techniques.  Makhana farming is now being done through aqua farming since it is sustainable and healthier.  It saves a lot of time and gives quality seeds. 
People often think that there are different types of Makhanas in the market but in reality, there is only one type of Makhana but the processing and harvesting methods could be different.  They can be eaten in different ways therefore if someone sells you Makhana saying it is a different type of Makhana then know it is not true.  To get the best quality Makhana always buy it from a brand and check its packaging and you’ll get the right Makhana seeds for your family.