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Why Are Makhana Called Fox Nuts And Other Interesting Facts About This Unique Food

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Ancient Egyptians believed foxnuts grew from lotus flowers that bloomed under moonlight, considering them sacred offerings to Isis.

Offerings to Isis

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Makhana can pop like popcorn but at a significantly higher temperature of 200°C, exploding with enough force to dent metal pans.

Denting Pans

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A single fox nut seed can expand up to 7 times its original size when popped, making it one of nature's most impressive food transformations.

Fox nut poppings!

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Fox Nuts only grow in stagnant water less than 6 feet deep and must be harvested by skilled divers who collect them with their feet.

How They Grow

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The plant producing fox nuts can survive for over 50 years, with some specimens in Bihar, India, documented to be older than local temples.

Fox Nut Plants

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Japanese researchers found fox nut shells naturally contain a compound that glows blue under UV light, leading to their use in ancient navigation.

Glows Under UV Light

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Traditional Chinese medicine texts claim fox nuts can appear in dreams to indicate incoming good fortune, particularly regarding fertility.

They're Good Omen

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Fox Nuts were historically used to repel foxes from farms in parts of Southeast Asia due to their strong natural compounds; hence the name.

Why They're CalledThat

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Which of these facts stunned you the most?