Euryale ferox Euryale ferox Euryale ferox (common names, fox nut, foxnut, gorgon nut or makhana) is the only extant species in the genus Euryale. It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family, Nymphaeaceae, although it is occasionally regarded as a distinct family, Euryalaceae. Unlike other water lilies, the pollen grains of "Euryale" have three nuclei. The name "Euryale" comes from the mythical Greek Gorgon by the same name. "Euryale" is a perennial plant native to eastern Asia, and is found from India - Bihar in nine districts viz,Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar, Sitamarhi, Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Saharsa and Supaul (local name
Euryale ferox India, were set aside for cultivation of "Euryale" in 1990-1991. The plant grows best in locations with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Seeds are collected in the late summer and early autumn, and may be eaten raw or cooked. In India, in the northern (Punjab) and western parts of the country, "Euryale ferox" seeds are often roasted or fried, which causes them to pop like popcorn. These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices. In Indian plains along Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar (Mithila culture of Mithilanchal), makhana is an auspicious ingredient in