The top benefits, nutritional values, Uses and storage of Lotus Seeds Pop

The top benefits, nutritional values, Uses and storage of Lotus Seeds Pop

Lotus seed is a nut. It belongs to the species of  Nelumbo nucifera. They are also called makhana in hindi. They are commonly used in Chinese medications .lotus seeds are mainly used in asian cuisine. They are the seed of lotus flower. Lotus seeds are very nutritious and contain lots of vitamins, minerals and dietary minerals. It also have healing power.

  • Lotus seeds contain L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase, an enzyme with anti-ageing properties. It is known to help in repairing damaged proteins.
  • The seeds contain kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help in repairing aging gum tissue.
  • The astringent properties of lotus seeds make them beneficial for the kidneys. They help to regulate the energy levels of the body.
  • Some studies indicate that lotus seeds may be used to treat various sexual conditions.
  • Lotus seeds are used in Chinese medicine to relieve the problem of diarrhea. They are also used to improve the health of the spleen.
  • Traditionally, lotus seeds were used to treat people with sleeping disorders such as insomnia. They are also known to be effective in alleviating restlessness. This is due to the natural sedative and calming effects of the seeds.
  • The center of the lotus seed is known to be beneficial for the heart due to its cooling properties. The bitterness of the seeds comes from isoquinoline alkaloids which are believed to induce a calming effect and are also anti-spasmodic in nature. They cause dilation of the blood vessels and thus help in controlling blood pressure levels.
  • Some medicinal researchers believe that lotus seeds help to strengthen the digestive process and relieve diarrhea.
  • The seeds are sometimes combined with other herbs in order to treat urinary ailments such as prostatitis and reproductive diseases. However it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any natural remedies such as lotus seeds.
  • Lotus seeds is helpful in stopping chronic diarrhea.As it contains a high amount of astringent properties and also consumed to improve appetite.Also, people who are suffering from constipation should avoid it
  •  Their low sodium and high magnesium content make them for those suffering from heart disease, diabetes , high blood pressure and obesity.
  • These seeds contain an anti-ageing enzyme,which is believed to repair damaged protein.
  • As per Ayurveda, Lotus seeds have astringent properties that have specific benefits to the kidney.
  •  Lotus seeds also contain kaempferol,a natural flavonoid that prevents inflammation and ageing.
  • Makhanas are recommended for diabetics too due to their low glycemic index.
  •  An anti-ageing enzyme in these seeds is said to help repair damaged proteins.
  • In addition, the presence of a natural flavonoid called kaempferol (also present in coffee), helps prevent inflammation and ageing.
  • Makhanas are gluten-free, protein rich and high in carbohydrates.

Lotus pop seeds are very nutritious so, they can be eaten at any time of day.Lotus pop seeds goes well with every food item.

Ways to use lotus seeds pop

Lotus seeds can be used in a variety of ways.

  • Raw seeds of these plants are consumed as snack in their fresh or dried form.
  • They are used to make “Lotus Seed Paste” which is used in numerous Chinese desserts and pastries.
  • This paste is also used in Japanese cuisine as a filling for cakes and desserts.
  • They are cooked in syrup to make “crystallized seeds” which can be consumed as nuts.
  • These seeds are also used for preparing soups, congee and other dishes.
  • Puffed seeds (makhana) are used in kheer, curries, puddings and as a dry-roasted snack.
  • They can be added directly to soups, salads or used in other dishes.

Uses of lotus seeds pop

Dried Lotus seeds are used for decorative purposes. It is especially used in dried flower arranging. It is also used in cosmetics and anti-ageing products.

How to buy and store lotus pop seeds

Lotus seeds can be stored for a week  when kept under refrigeration in dry zip-lock bags.

It should be stored in a plastic container in a cool and dry place.

Season in which lotus pop seeds are available

Lotus pop seeds are available all year round.

How  to make Makhana Moongphali Ki Kadhi Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup Phool Makhana (Lotus Seeds), roasted in ghee

2 tablespoons Raw Peanuts (Moongphali), steamed

1 cup Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)

1 tablespoon Rajgira Flour (Amaranth Flour)

1 Green Chilli, slit

1/2 teaspoon Sugar

2 sprig Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped

Salt, or rock salt to taste

Ingredients for Seasoning

1 teaspoon Ghee

1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)

1 inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)

Method

We begin making Makhana Moongphali Ki Kadhi Recipe (Navratri Fasting/Vrat Recipe) by getting all our ingredients ready.

In a saucepan, combine the yogurt, rajgira flour, salt and sugar along with 2 cups of water. Whisk well and keep aside for later.

Place a pan on medium heat and add ghee. Once the ghee is warm add the makhana, toast it until it pops out like popcorn. Turn off the flame and keep it aside to cool.

In the same pan, add little more ghee and crackle the cumin seeds, green chilli and cinnamon. Keep aside. Your tadka is ready.

Place the saucepan containing the curd mixture on heat and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir continuously so that no lumps are formed.

Add the makhana and the steamed peanuts along with the prepared tadka to the kadhi and garnish with coriander leaves. Your Makhana Moongphali is ready to be served.

Serve your Makhana Moongphali Ki Kadhi with Sama Khichdi or Palak Khichdi and Satvik Carrot Sprouts Salad to make it a delicious meal.

How to make Spicy Roasted Phool Makhana (Fox Nuts / popped lotus seeds)

Ingredients

1. Makhana – 2 cups

2. Oil / ghee – 2 – 3 tsp

Broken cashews – 2 – 3 tbsp

Peanuts – 2 – 3 tbsp

Curry leaves – A few

Asafoetida / hing – A tiny pinch

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Kashmiri chilli powder – 3/4 tsp

Cumin powder – 1/4 tsp

Salt – To taste

Method

In a kadhai or wok, dry-roast the Makhana for 5 –7 minutes over medium heat till they become crisp. Set aside to cool down.

2. Heat oil/ ghee over medium heat. Fry cashews, peanuts and curry leaves until golden. Switch off the flame. Add hing, turmeric powder, chilli powder and cumin powder. Mix well. Add the roasted Makhana, salt and stir until well-coated with the spices. Cool down completely. Store the left-overs in an airtight container.

Safety profile

Consuming lotus seeds does not cause any side effects except it can cause allergy to some people.Patients undergoing treatment for diseases like diabetes, cholesterol and cardiac or psychiatric conditions should avoid consuming Lotus nuts.

Fun facts about lotus seed pop

  • It is one of the main ingredients for the Chinese dessert “mooncake” eaten during mid-autumn moon watching and lunar worship festival of China called the Zhongqiu.
  • The seeds pop out of the pods of the Lotus on their own once the pods are completely dry. Due to this reason, they are called “graine a voler” or “flying seeds” in southern regions of USA.
  • People from Hindu religion use strings made of these seeds for “jaap” of goddess Lakshmi.
  • Lotus produces seed in the circular pod located in the center of the flower.
  • Seed can remain viable (able to germinate) long period of time. One type of lotus seed managed to develop into plant after 1300 years of dormancy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *