Foxnuts, also known as Makhana or Euryale ferox seeds, are widely consumed as a snack and used in various food and pharmaceutical applications. Below are the general specifications for foxnuts:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Whole or broken puffed seeds
Color: White to light cream (puffed), black (raw seeds)
Odor & Taste: Characteristic mild nutty aroma with a slightly sweet taste
Texture: Crisp, light, and crunchy (for puffed foxnuts)
Size:
Grade A (Large): 14mm+
Grade B (Medium): 12-14mm
Grade C (Small): 10-12mm
Moisture Content: Max 5-7%
Chemical Properties:
Protein Content: 9-15%
Carbohydrates: 65-80%
Fats: 0.1-1.0%
Dietary Fiber: 8-12%
Energy Value: ~350-400 kcal/100g
Ash Content: Max 2%
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 10,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 100 CFU/g
Coliforms: <10 CFU/g
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm
Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm
Mercury (Hg): <0.02 ppm
Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent
Applications of Foxnuts (Makhana):
Food Industry: Used in snacks, sweets, roasted products, and breakfast cereals
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic-friendly properties
Nutritional Supplements: Used in energy bars and dietary foods
Religious & Festive Use: Commonly used in fasting foods
