• Kamal Kakdi / कमल काकडी / Lotus / Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
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Kamal Kakdi / कमल काकडी / Lotus / Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Local Name: Kamal Kakdi / कमल काकडी

Common Name: Lotus

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Kamal Kakdi / कमल काकडी / Lotus / Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Status & Habitat

  • Habitat: Herb

  • Occurrence: Water bodies

  • Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year

  • Geography: Northern Indochina and East Asia

  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation

  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Seeds

  • Can be Eaten Raw: No

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: No

  • Ripe: No

  • Both Raw & Ripe: No

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant

  • As Food: Rhizomes are fried or cooked; stem is eaten cooked; seeds eaten popped.

  • As Medicine: Boil lotus pieces in water and drink for general health; lotus paste helps relieve headaches.

  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: N/A

  • Boiling Before Cooking: N/A

  • Pickling: Yes, parts of the flower

  • Brining: N/A

  • Fermenting: N/A

  • Drying for later Consumption: Yes, parts of the flower:Seeds preserved as makhane

  • Overall Method: Can be cooked into curries, cutlets; seeds can be eaten popped (makhane).

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: High potassium content.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Helps with general health and headaches.

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Boil lotus pieces in water and drink for general health; lotus paste helps relieve headaches.

Recipes

  • Tribal Recipe: Makhane: Heat oil in a kadai. Roast makhana for 10-12 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add spice powders and rock salt (except chaat masala), then turn off the heat. Mix well, sprinkle chaat masala, and stir. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.