Mithila Makhana
Mithila Makhana (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb.) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. In Mithila, Makhana is also termed as Makhan. It is the one of the three prestigious cultural identity of Mithila: Pond, Fish and Makhan "पग-पग पोखर, माछ, मखान ". It is also very famous in Kojagara festival of Maithil Brahmins and Kaysath celebrated for newly married couples.[1] Makhana contains protein and fiber, along with micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.
| Mithila Makhana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pond in Mithila region cultivating Makhana | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus: | Euryale Bihar Agriculture University |
| Species: | E. ferox |
| Binomial name | |
| Euryale ferox | |
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour facilitated for Geographical indication tagging for Mithila Makhana.[2][3][4][5][6] Subsequently, in April 2022, it received fifth Geographical indication by the efforts of Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur for Bihar from the Government of India.[7][8] Darbhanga MP has many times demanded the GI tag for Mithila Makhana in the Parliament of India. GI has been registered in the name of Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh, Purnia.[9][10] Postal Department of India started courier service of Mithila Makhana in Bihar from 28th January of 2021.[11][12]
Health benefits
Makhana is a healthy Indian snack cultivated majorly in the Mithila region of Bihar state in India. The seeds of the product are edible after they are processed. The seeds are put into very high temperature hot sand and then it is fried. After that the seeds got exploded and become snacks to eat like pop corn. It has lower cholesterol, fat and sodium, therefore it also an ideal weight-loss snack as it is low in calories. It has also a high nutritional value and is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, potassium, iron, and zinc. It also help us to overcome insomnia and arthritis, and improve cognitive functions.[8] Makhana is rich in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and therefore, it is also beneficial for heart health along with controlling blood sugar.[13]
References
- "मिथिलांचल का प्रकृति से जुड़ा कोजगरा त्योहार कल". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "मिथिला मखाना पर बड़ी जीत की दी मुबारकबाद". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "मिथिला मखाना के लजीज व्यंजन के बूते रोजगार सृजन का संकल्प, सरकारी स्तर पर कवायद तेज". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "Pursuing GI tag for Mithila Makhana: Agri minister". Hindustan Times. 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "GI TAG TO MITHILA MAKHANA" (PDF). GI TAG TO MITHILA MAKHANA/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA/MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE/ LOK SABHA/3RD FEBRUARY 2021.
- Monu, Sanjay Kumar (2021-11-15). "Mithila Makhana to become one more GI Tagged Products From Bihar". Muzcorner. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
- "MP गोपाल जी ठाकुर ने जेपी नड्डा से की मुलाकात मखाना का जीआई टैग मिथिला मखाना करवाने का किया आग्रह". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2023-03-01.
- "GI tag to 'Mithila Makhana' - JournalsOfIndia". 2022-08-25. Retrieved 2022-08-28.
- "Govt awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana for 'farmer's profit'". The Indian Express. 2022-08-20. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
- "Bihar Mithila Makhana awarded GI Tag! Know about this variety of Fox Nut and its benefits". Financialexpress. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
- कुमार, प्रकाश (2021-01-28). "बिहार में डाकिया आपके घर तक पहुंचाएगा मिथिला का मजेदार मखाना प्रोडक्ट". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "पोस्ट ऑफिस से खरीद सकेंगे मखाना, जल्द ही बिहार नहीं बल्कि मिथिला के नाम से मिलेगी पहचान". News18 Hindi (in Hindi). 2021-02-16. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- "Makhana Dosa Recipe: मखाना डोसा से करें दिन की शुरुआत, ब्लड शुगर कंट्रोल करने में भी है मददगार". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2022-08-28.