Healthy Snacking: Bihar’s Mithila Makhana Has A GI Tag Too Now
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Famous Mithila makhana of Bihar has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Union Government of India, bringing good news to Bihar residents. Mithila region of Bihar is quite famous not only in the country but in the world for its cultivation of a special variety of makhana or fox nut. Hard work of the cultivators finally got paid off and this special fox nut variety received a GI tag.  

An interesting fact, Mithila makhana is the fifth commodity from Bihar to have received the GI tag. Before that, Bihar’s Katarni dhan, Bhagalpur’s jardalu mango, Muzaffarpur’s shahi litchi, and Nawada’s magahi pan were the receivers of the precious GI tag. Let us tell you that around 80% of the total fox nut cultivation in India is done in Bihar. You didn’t know this, did you? 

Let us take you through the special Mithila makhana. Botanically known as Euryale Ferox Salisb, this special variety of fox nuts is mostly cultivated in Bihar’s Mithila region and some adjoining areas of Bihar and Nepal’s border. Mithila makhana holds great importance among Maithali brahmin community. They use fox nuts during Kojagara puja and other religious occasions. Moreover, it is highly consumed for its health benefits. Fox nuts are packed with protein and fiber and have nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. Besides, fox nuts or makhanas are high in antioxidants and prevent health conditions like cancer and severe heart diseases. Makhanas help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and even support weight loss. It also has anti-aging properties and promotes good heart health. 

Announcing about GI tag to Mithila makhana, Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted “Mithila Makhana gets GI Tag, farmers to profit and it will be easier for them to earn more. Due to Geographical Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence”. 

So, it is definitely good news and good news remains incomplete without something sweet. So, we have brought for you the recipe of makhana kheer that you can make at home and feel proud to be an Indian. Here is how you can make makhana kheer. 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup makhana or fox nuts 
  • 2 cups whole milk 
  • A handful of cashews and almonds 
  • 4 green cardamoms 
  • 4 tsp sugar (you can add it as per your taste) 
  • 3 tsp ghee 
  • Pinch of saffron 

Method 

  • Take a pan and add ghee to it. 
  • Add makhanas, cashews, and almonds. 
  • Set the flame on low and roast the nuts until the makhanas turn crunchy and cashews, as well as almonds, turn golden. 
  • When done, take them out on a plate and keep them aside. 
  • Take a pan and heat whole milk. 
  • Stir at intervals to prevent milk from getting scorched from the bottom 
  • Let it boil. 
  • Meanwhile, take 1/3rd cup of the roasted fox nuts and green cardamoms in a grinder to form a fine powder. 
  • Once the milk boils, add sugar and stir. 
  • Now add the powdered makhanas and whole makhanas. 
  • Mix well. 
  • Let it cook for 10 minutes until the milk gets thicker. 
  • Scrape the evaporated milk solids from the pan sides and add them to the milk. 
  • Now add cashews and almonds. Keep it aside. 
  • Stir for a minute and turn off the flame. 
  • Serve makhana kheer hot or cold. 

Enjoy!!