What Is Makhana?
Makhana (also called fox nuts or lotus seeds) is a popped, edible seed harvested from aquatic plants and widely used in Indian food, snack manufacturing, and wholesale trade. It is valued for its long shelf life, roasting stability, and suitability for bulk processing.
Makhana is a naturally grown aquatic seed widely consumed in India and increasingly across global health and snack markets.
In trade and agriculture, makhana is valued for its long shelf life, roasting performance, and versatility across retail and processing applications.
Origin and Cultivation
Makhana is primarily cultivated in water bodies such as ponds and wetlands. India is the world’s largest producer, with cultivation concentrated in specific regions due to water ecology and skilled manual harvesting.
How Makhana Is Processed
- Drying of harvested seeds
- Roasting and popping to make seeds edible
- Polishing to remove outer residue
- Cleaning and sorting
- Grading based on size and quality
Where Makhana Is Commonly Used
- Wholesale trading and bulk resale
- Snack manufacturing and roasting units
- Retail packaging and branded food products
- Export-oriented food supply chains
- Processing into flavored or coated products
Makhana in Trade and Commerce
In wholesale markets, makhana is traded based on grade and size classification to ensure consistency and predictable performance.
Refer to the makhana grading system and the suta size chart.
How Makhana Is Classified in Trade
- Single grade makhana — uniform size, premium appearance, higher resale value
- Mixed grade makhana — multiple sizes, cost-efficient, processing focused
Frequently Asked Questions
Is makhana the same as lotus seeds?
In trade, makhana refers specifically to the popped and processed edible seed.
Can makhana be eaten raw?
No. Raw makhana must be roasted or popped before consumption.
Why is makhana graded?
Grading ensures consistency in size, quality, and predictable trade usage.
Last reviewed: January 2026