Mithila Makhana gets a GI Tag

Bihar’s ‘Mithila Makhana’ has been accorded GI tag.

Mithila Makhana is cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar and some parts of Nepal.
Mithila Makhana’s botanical name is ‘Euryale Ferox Salisb’ and it is a special variety of aquatic fox nut.
They grow on a leaf in a pond, before they are collected, washed and sun-dried for hours. After that, they are roasted in a pan at a high flame. Following this, their outer shells are broken and the white puff comes out.
It is said to be low in cholesterol, fat and sodium, and also an ideal weight-loss snack as it is low in calories.
It is the fifth product from Bihar which has received the GI tag. Prior to this, Bhagalpur’s Jardalu Mango, Katarni Dhaan (rice), Nawada’s Maghai Paan and Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi have been recognised.