From the water lily seeds comes a delicious vegan snack that is gaining support, becoming the new superfood alternative to popcorn and chips
Directly from Asia comes the idea for one snack healthy, original and tasty, made with the seeds of beautiful water lilies. This snacks of Indian origin and exotic flavor it has been establishing itself for about a year also in other western countries, the United States in the lead. Thanks to the growing international commercial success of healthy, natural and vegan alternatives, to classic potato chips, popcorn and junk food in general, the "burst" water lily seeds are conquering an ever-growing audience of consumers, including Millennials.
Water lily seeds, the popcorn of the future?
This crunchy and tasty snack is a traditional food in India, but only made its first appearance in the West a couple of years ago. in United States, in particular, it was a startup called Bhartia to introduce this exotic gastronomic novelty, as well as to grasp its potential first. In fact, in the West, healthy snacks, alternative ingredients and diets without animal products and fats are not just a passing trend, but a consolidated reality. Therefore, for nymph seeds it was an announced success: superfood snack free of gluten, sugar, saturated fats, rich in fiber and nutrients. All this, combined with the absence of corn, nuts, cereals, lactose and GMOs, makes them a ideal food for any age and for any type of diet, from paleo to vegan.
In short, this alternative to the usual and caloric savory snacks, in the last two years is rapidly conquering the market and has also made inroads into the heart of the Millennial, who appreciate not only the healthy aspect, but also the taste.
The nymph seeds, in fact, thanks to the crispness, lightness and rather neutral but pleasantly roasted flavor, can be considered a modern version of popcorn, and like popcorn it lends itself well to the addition of aromas and spices which often recall their eastern origins. Among the variants currently on the market it is in fact possible to opt for both Western and Asian flavors, from raspberry to matcha green tea, to the Indians turmeric and tikka masala.
A snack with an oriental flavor
Although the media popularity of nymph seeds is mostly linked to commercial success in the West, these blown seeds have for centuries been one beloved snack in India, where they are called makhana. Here the beautiful water lilies bloom in spring, while the seeds usually form in August, a period in which they are extracted and harvested, to then be dried in the sun and finally roasted over a wood fire, until they burst with heat, exactly as it happens with corn.
Once ready, the nymph seeds come flavored with clarified butter and spices. Makhana is a very popular snack, much loved by children, and is also famous for being one of the few foods consumed during fasting periods during the Hindu Navratri festival.
In India, water lily seeds are a "superfood" highly recommended by traditional Ayurvedic medicine, prescribed especially for those suffering from diabetes or women who are pregnant or nursing.
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