Foxnuts, also known as Makhana or Euryale ferox seeds, are widely consumed as a snack and used in various food and pharmaceutical applications. Below are the general specifications for foxnuts:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Whole or broken puffed seeds

Color: White to light cream (puffed), black (raw seeds)

Odor & Taste: Characteristic mild nutty aroma with a slightly sweet taste

Texture: Crisp, light, and crunchy (for puffed foxnuts)

Size:

Grade A (Large): 14mm+

Grade B (Medium): 12-14mm

Grade C (Small): 10-12mm

Moisture Content: Max 5-7%

Chemical Properties:

Protein Content: 9-15%

Carbohydrates: 65-80%

Fats: 0.1-1.0%

Dietary Fiber: 8-12%

Energy Value: ~350-400 kcal/100g

Ash Content: Max 2%

Microbiological Standards:

Total Plate Count: Max 10,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 100 CFU/g

Coliforms: <10 CFU/g

E. Coli: Absent

Salmonella: Absent

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.02 ppm

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Applications of Foxnuts (Makhana):

Food Industry: Used in snacks, sweets, roasted products, and breakfast cereals

Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic-friendly properties

Nutritional Supplements: Used in energy bars and dietary foods

Religious & Festive Use: Commonly used in fasting foods