Monday, January 28, 2013

All About Mahua



All About Mowha in India
Mowha’s Sanskrit name, madhuka, means “sweet”—unsurprising given the sugary flower’s reputation. Though the fruit is used as foodstuff, it’s the bulbous flower that takes center stage for its many multifunctional purposes.

Origin of Mowha
Mahua is believed to be of Indian origin. Over centuries of evolution, the tree is exceptionally drought-resitant—it can withstand many conditions though it thrives best in deep, loamy soil.  Today, mahua is exceptionally diverse with no single variant. Though other countries grow madhuka, its primary home is India.



Availability of Mowha in India
Mowha flower is readily available, though it is seldom sold in produce markets. Rather, mowha trees can be found in villages or amidst a commercial crop.

Where to find Mowha in India
Though urbanites may not be familiar with this highly variable fruit, those in rural villages have exploited its many purposes for centuries.

Mowha is not often grown in the south with the exception of a few trees in Kerala, but the fruit grows prolifically in northern and central areas of the country. Specifically, mahua is found in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhotra Nagpur, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa, and Gujarat.

Checking for Ripeness in Mowha
Mowha is green in its unripe stage and turns orange or reddish yellow when fully ripened. To extricate ripe mowha from the tree, simply shake the branches and collect the flowers. Seasonality for the fruit is during the months of July and August; the flowers from February through April. During the early winter months, villagers make a living harvesting the flowers for sale to local distilleries.



Taste of Mowha
Mowha’s astringency makes it a pungent fruit and not one that ranks highly on many lists. Birds and deer have a greater love affair with the fruit than humans. Nonetheless, the flower and fruit are consumed amongst locals for foodstuff and for medicinal purposes. Though the fruit’s skin possesses a strong bite, the pulp is sugary and is a rich source of carbohydrates. 

The flowers of the mowha tree are sweet and perfectly edible; in fact, they are more often used for culinary purposes than the fruit itself. Some have likened their distinct, legendary smell to that of musky cooked rice.

Nutritional Value of Mowha
According to the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad, India, the nutritive value of ripe mahua flower per 100g is as follows:

111 kcal
73.6g Moisture
1.4g Protein
1.6g Fat
.7g Minerals
22.7g Carbohydrates
45mg Calcium
22mg Phosphorous
.23mg Iron
307ug Carotene (Vitamin A)
40mg Vitamin C



Health Benefits of Mowha
According to the book, “Indigenous Drugs of India,” mahua is highly therapeutic due to its tannin content. Traditionally, mowha has been used to remedy chronic ulcers, acute tonsillitis, spongy gums and bleeding of the mouth. The burnt leaves, when mixed with ghee, provide a burn salve. The bark is believed to combat diabetes, and the flowers aid bronchitis symptoms and relieve constipation and hemorrhoids. Healers known as bhumkas use the flowers to treat eye problems. When mixed with milk, bhumkas also use boiled flowers to aid in impotence.

As per a 2010 report published in the Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, madhua’s Ayurveda properties are as a coolant, an aphrodisiac, expectorant, carminative and as an galactagogue.

Few scientific studies have been conducted on madhua’s health benefits. Articles published primarily focus on the seed’s toxins and its potential as a biodiesel source:
--The National Institute of Nutrition published a study revealing that mahua seed oil caused sterility and reproductive problems in male rats. When the oil was removed from the diet, reproductive capabilities returned.
--Mahua’s  seed oil contains a mildly toxic compound called mowin. If the oil is properly extracted, mowin is a residue easily discarded. The Indian Journal of Experimental Biology published an article in 1996 explaining that livestock feed made from mowrah seeds must be thoroughly detoxified before served to animals.



Mowha Recipe Ideas and Uses:
--Central Indian tribes use the oil from the seeds as a ghee substitute, thus perhaps earning its moniker, “butter tree.” A name for mowhra oil is “bassia oil.”
--In its oil form also known as illipe, the fruit is used in cakes and other baked goods
--The oil in the seeds have also been extracted to make lamp oil, cosmetics and soap
--The flowers are manufactured for alcohol production, though this is a tightly regulated business. However, in tribes across India, mahua is considered a sacred beverage.
---Mahua flowers are also the basis of several vinegar, honey and jam recipes. As a liquefied concentrate, the flowers may also serve as a sweetener for candy and cakes.
--The flowers may be crushed and blended for use in sauces and compotes
--Boiled mahua and tamarind make a sweet concoction used as a quick source of calories.
--Tribes use mahua for many purposes: the Kondhs of Kolnara make a dish from the boiled flower and bailo seeds. During scarce seasons, the Sabara tribe makes a pudding from the fruit’s “nut” inside. Furthermore, tribes dry and press flowers to preserve for up to 6 months for food and 2 years for wine or vinegar.
--In the Koya tribe, the wood is used to create a religious pyre. Otherwise, cutting branches is strictly taboo.
--Tribes in Bihar and Orissa boil tubers found under a kolo plant, mash it into balls, and then roll it in mahua fruit for enhanced flavor.



Random Facts:
In its alcoholic state, Felix Padel, the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin alleges that mahua has a better taste and kick than scotch. He also asserts that mahua is better for health.

Scientific Name:
Bassis latifolia
Bassia latifolia
Madhuca longifolia
Madhuca indica

Other Names:
Mahua
Ban mahuva
Mahula
Moha
Mova
Butter tree
Mahua tree

Related Fruits:
Sapota





30 comments:

  1. You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.

    Best flowers seeds exporter

    ReplyDelete
  2. Highly educative,the information you have given will educate those who have never heard about it before.I had studied for my b.sc degree with botany and zoology as major subjects in 1967,(Mysore university) however I do not remember any mention of this tree in any text book.the only time I heard about it was when I travelled to Delhi by car from mumbai in 1972 when the driver identified the smell of the flowers and later offered alcohol based on the same.thank you

    ReplyDelete
  3. I grow Mahua in my small farm. i have 12 young plants with the age of 5 ....i enjoy the colour of leaves and the chirping birds..
    S.a.Alagarsamy
    Chennai

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello sir, I am sivakami , msc student .Need your help for doing my thesis regarding mahua.please let me know your contact number.my mail I'd
      Shivs.ram.21@gmail.com

      Delete
  4. brief and informative.

    ReplyDelete
  5. mowha ke kacche fal ki sabji ki recipe bataye
    please

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post on mahua oil.I'm glad to see people are still interested of Article.Thank you for an interesting read.......

    ReplyDelete
  7. Let me know the life span of Mahua Tree.We have three big Mahua tree,they are more than 100 year old.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for the nice post and it is very interesting to read. We can also use the other kind of natural oils like Marachekku Oil in Chennai for the strong and the healthy life.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Natural foods are always best.Do you looking for healthy and natural oil? dappakadai provides the best natural oil. We give 100% assurance for quality oil. And we provide a good deals for all customers.

    Marachekku Oil In Chennai
    Cold Pressed Oil In Chennai
    Chekku Ennai In Chennai
    Gingelly Oil Price In Chennai
    Pure Coconut Oil In Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice blog!! “When oil is refined, it loses a lot of nutrients but cold pressing it in a marachekku oil ensures that you retain all of it,” says the 35-year-old who works in a software firm.

    ReplyDelete
  11. chekku coconut oil is considered to be one of the most versatile natural oils today.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you are search for good castor oil, then you need to use cold pressed castor oil. In other words, this is called as marachekku. If you want to see marachekku oil manufaturer, please go to mara chekku manufacturers in chennai

    ReplyDelete
  13. Traditionally, south India was known for using cold pressed oil. Bullocks were led around the 'chekku oil near me', turning the wooden crusher to extract oil.
    marachekku oil chennai.
    gramiya nattu marachekku oil.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You have to ensure that the oil you get from the wood pressed oilous diseases and the raw material used has been thoroughly cleaned.
    chekku gingelly oil.
    cold pressed oil online.
    nallennai in english.

    ReplyDelete
  15. When oil is refined, it loses a lot of nutrients but cold pressing it in a marachekku oil ensures that you retain all of it,” says the 35-year-old who works in a software firm.It is also rich in antioxidants, which boosts immunity.mara check oil also retains lauric acid, which has plenty of therapeutic benefits.cold press coconut oil is finally being recognized as a truly “functional food” with dynamic nutritional and medicinal implications- what traditional cultures have always known. cocunut cold pressed oil is considered to be one of the most versatile natural oils today.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Peanuts, peanut butter, and groundnut oil price are filled with heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.peanut oil is one of the healthiest oils. It is a vegetable oil that is naturally trans fat-free, cholesterol free, and low in saturated fats.groundnut oil benefits is high in unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fat, like the one found in olive oil."best cooking oil for health is my favorite,” says Sara Haas, RD, LDN, a chef in Chicago and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ...
    Canola oil. Canola oil is low in saturated fat, Haas says. ...
    chekku oil.
    coconut oil.
    groundnut oil.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Healthy product. We grain oil using ghani(Traditional method) which was so called as".cold pressed oil online" at minimum temperature so the nature of oil is retained.This type of chekku ennai in chennai pressed in room temperature will not be heated during the extraction process and thus retains the nutrition benefits & original taste / flavor..chekku ennai onlineis free from cholesterol and contains lots of essential fatty acids like omega-6. So it is one of best oil suited for cooking.Peanut oil is cholesterol free, which is one of the major factors contributing to complicated heart conditions such as atherosclerosis. Since cooking oil is used in many different ways..extra virgin coconut oil also helped make cancer patients comfortable by improving the symptoms related to the side effects of chemotherapy.

    ReplyDelete
  18. cow gheeWeight Loss - The butyric acid which helps in digestion also helps to burn stubborn body fat thereby enhancing metabolism.Good to see all these shared popular raw honeybrands but I would like to suggest one more leading brand in India/abroad for Best Organic Honey AlliedNaturalProduct.Mustard honey and forest original honey(Sundarban Forest) is the best honey in India but it is being exported to USA as it very costly.Since ages, we have seen our parents and grandparents talk about the benefits of having desi cow gheein our meals on a daily basis.In India it is very difficult for the consumer to buy pure honey as it is being adulterated in some way or other as everyone in this market us here to make profit.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good chekku gingelly oil has a strong smell when it is opened. The color should be bright brown or gold.

    Organic marachekku oil in bangalore are produced in remarkable diversity by plants, animals, and other organisms through natural metabolic processes. Lipid is the scientific term for the fatty acids, steroids and similar chemicals.

    gramiyum oil online Cold pressed oil, the oil is extracted by the traditional way of churning. In this process, no heat is added, keeping all the nutrients of the oil intact.

    ReplyDelete
  20. nallenai is also known as gingelly oil. It is highly nourishing, healing and lubricating. Other than being used as a flavor enhancing cooking oil.

    I have been dappa kadai for long term which is very good.

    nalennai is also known as gingelly oil. It is highly nourishing, healing and lubricating. Other than being used as a flavor enhancing cooking oil.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for this relevant information. I will also share information you can find pure honey near me

    ReplyDelete
  22. You are good in explaining the detailed benefit of the Castor Oil. In this era, when compared to refined oil, Cold pressed Oil is good for health. Not only the Castor Oil, in cooking we would use Cold pressed, Coconut oil , Groundnut oil, Sesame oil, Sunflower Oil , each type of Cold pressed Oil has its own benefit.
    If someone want to stay healthy, we need to adopt traditional food culture in our life.
    Eat Healthy and Stay Happy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. nice keep up the good work Driven by God’s guidance, this venture aims at bringing human souls closer to nature by raising awareness among people to heal themselves and providing them healthy, organic, vegan, gluten-free resources (Organic Grocery, Yogic Home Gardening, Eco-Friendly Goods)
    satopradhan vision


    ReplyDelete
  24. Sildenafil Super Active is a prescription medication, one needs share the medical history with a doctor to make sure it is an appropriate treatment.
    Sildenafil 100mg (Sildigra Super Active)
    Chat on WhatsApp with +91 92163-25377

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nurse salaries in Ireland are determined by multiple factors including experience, education, and geographic location. Newly qualified nurses typically start with an annual salary of around €30,000, with substantial increases as they gain more experience in the field. After several years, this figure can rise to approximately €40,000 or more, particularly for those who pursue specialized roles. Advanced positions, such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse managers, can command salaries that range from €50,000 to €70,000. Additionally, job location plays a crucial role in determining compensation, with urban areas often offering higher salaries due to the increased cost of living. Public sector nurses benefit from various perks, including pensions and generous leave entitlements. The growing demand for qualified nursing professionals suggests that these salary trends will remain competitive. Overall, nursing in Ireland offers a secure and rewarding career path with ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
    https://www.dynamichealthstaff.com/ireland-nurse-salary

    ReplyDelete
  26. A leading breast surgeon in Gurgaon excels in providing comprehensive care for patients with breast cancer, utilising advanced surgical techniques tailored to each individual’s needs. With extensive experience in procedures such as lumpectomies and mastectomies, they are committed to achieving optimal surgical outcomes while minimising recovery time. Their multidisciplinary approach ensures collaboration with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create effective, personalised treatment plans. Emphasising patient education, this surgeon fosters a supportive environment, helping patients and their families understand every aspect of the treatment journey. Known for their compassionate bedside manner, they prioritise both physical healing and emotional well-being. By staying abreast of the latest advancements in breast cancer management, they continuously refine their skills to deliver cutting-edge care. Their dedication makes them a trusted partner in the fight against breast cancer in Gurgaon, significantly improving patients' health and quality of life.
    https://www.breastoncosurgery.com/know-the-doctor/profile

    ReplyDelete
  27. A neuroendocrine doctor in Ahmedabad is a skilled medical professional specialising in the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine tumours. With extensive training in this nuanced field, they employ a range of advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess and stage these complex conditions. This specialist works within a dedicated multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare providers to devise tailored treatment plans for each patient. They prioritise patient education, ensuring that individuals fully understand their diagnosis and the potential treatment options available. Known for their empathetic approach, they offer supportive care to help alleviate the emotional challenges faced during treatment. By staying engaged with the latest research and developments in neuroendocrine oncology, these doctors are committed to providing the highest standard of care. Their holistic focus promotes improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients in Ahmedabad. Ultimately, they play a vital role in navigating the complexities of neuroendocrine disorders.
    https://drvirajlavingia.com/services/neuroendocrine-cancer-specialist-in-ahmedabad

    ReplyDelete
  28. The oncology surgeon in Mumbai is a highly experienced medical professional specializing in the surgical management of cancer patients. Renowned for their proficiency in various oncological procedures, they emphasize a patient-centered approach tailored to individual needs. The surgeon utilizes cutting-edge technology and techniques to ensure optimal surgical outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team, they provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of cancer treatment. Education and support are central to their practice, empowering patients to understand their options and participate actively in their treatment decisions. With a commitment to ongoing research and professional development, the oncology surgeon remains at the forefront of the latest advancements in the field. Their compassionate care fosters an environment of trust, enabling patients to face their cancer journey with hope and resilience. Ultimately, this surgeon is a crucial ally for those undergoing cancer treatment in Mumbai, dedicated to improving patient quality of life.
    https://drnitanair.com/contact/contact-dr-nita-nair-mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  29. House Removals Edinburgh offers a wide range of comprehensive moving services designed to make your relocation smooth and efficient. Our skilled team handles everything from carefully packing your belongings to ensuring their safe transport and unloading at your new home. With years of experience, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client, whether you're moving locally or further afield. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring a stress-free moving experience. Trust House Removals Edinburgh for meticulous attention to detail and reliability. Let us manage your home move, so you can focus on settling into your new space effortlessly.
    https://eh1-edinburghremovals.co.uk/house-removals-in-edinburgh/

    ReplyDelete