The Fascinating Process of Harvesting and Popping Water Lily Seeds

💦Water lily seeds, or Fox nuts, are harvested through a challenging process involving wading through water and avoiding thorns.

🌾The majority of the world's water lily seed supply comes from Bihar, India, where the seeds are a popular snack.

🌍Water lily seeds have gained popularity abroad, with prices reaching up to $170 per kilogram.

🔥Roasting the seeds is a delicate process that requires careful temperature control to ensure they pop.

🌱Water lily seed farming has become a viable alternative for farmers in flooded lowlands, providing new opportunities for cultivation.

Why are water lily seeds so expensive?

—Water lily seeds have a low success rate for popping, making the supply limited. Additionally, the labor-intensive process of harvesting and processing the seeds contributes to their high cost.

Where are water lily seeds primarily harvested?

—The majority of water lily seeds are harvested in Bihar, India, which is known for its production of Fox nuts.

How are water lily seeds popped?

—Water lily seeds are carefully roasted in a series of heated woks, ensuring that they achieve a satisfying crunch.

What are the health benefits of water lily seeds?

—Water lily seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious snack option.

Why are flooded lowlands used for water lily seed farming?

—Flooded lowlands provide an alternative for farming in areas where growing crops like rice and corn is challenging. This has led to the repurposing of abandoned lowlands for water lily seed cultivation.

00:01Water lily seeds, also known as Fox nuts, are harvested through a labor-intensive process involving wading through water and avoiding thorns.

03:30Water lily seeds are small and dense, making it challenging to harvest all the seeds from the pond.

06:25Water lily seeds undergo a meticulous roasting process in a clay wok to ensure they pop and achieve the desired texture.

09:11The roasted water lily seeds are then cleaned and processed by size before being packed and sold.

12:51Water lily seeds have gained popularity abroad, with prices reaching up to $170 per kilogram.

14:55Water lily seed farming has become a viable alternative for farmers in flooded lowlands, providing new opportunities for cultivation.

13:51The local government in Bihar has repurposed abandoned lowlands for water lily seed cultivation, resulting in increased farming opportunities.

09:59Water lily seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious snack option.