Raw makhana
Raw Makhana, also known as Fox Nuts, Gorgon Nuts, or Euryale Ferox, is the seed of an aquatic plant traditionally cultivated in freshwater ponds and wetlands. India is one of the leading producers of makhana, with major cultivation concentrated in Bihar and other suitable regions. Raw makhana is carefully harvested, dried, cleaned, and graded before being supplied to processors, traders, and food manufacturers. It is valued for its natural nutritional profile, mild taste, and versatility in food applications.
Raw Makhana is available in different grades based primarily on size, seed development, appearance, cleanliness, and processing quality. The grade is commonly expressed in Suta, a traditional makhana grading system. Depending on crop quality and availability, commercial grades generally range from 4 Suta to 12 Suta, with higher Suta grades representing larger-sized makhana. Larger grades are generally preferred for premium roasted snacks because they offer attractive appearance and good expansion characteristics, while smaller grades are commonly used for processing, flour, snacks, and other value-added products.
Common Makhana Grades & Sizes
- 4 Suta: Smaller-sized makhana, suitable for flour, processing, and value-added food products.
- 5 Suta: Small to medium grade with good availability and suitable for general food processing.
- 6 Suta: Medium-sized grade commonly used for roasting, snacking, and packaged food products.
- 7 Suta: Medium-large grade with good appearance and expansion potential.
- 8 Suta: Large and premium-grade makhana, widely preferred for high-quality roasted snacks.
- 9 Suta: Extra-large premium grade, suitable for premium retail and export-oriented snack products.
- 10 Suta: Very large-grade makhana, selected for premium applications where size and appearance are important.
- 12 Suta: Extra-large specialty grade, generally available in limited quantities depending on the crop and sourcing conditions.
Quality Parameters
Raw Makhana can be supplied according to buyer requirements for size, colour, cleanliness, moisture, broken percentage, foreign matter, and overall appearance. Export-quality material is normally cleaned and sorted to remove impurities, damaged seeds, and unwanted particles. Packaging can be customized according to the destination market and buyer requirements, including PP bags, laminated bags, vacuum packaging, or bulk food-grade packaging.