Edible Plants of the World

Fox Nut, Gorgon Nut, Prickly Water-Lily

It is a subtropical and tropical plant. It grows in lakes and ponds in many provinces of China. It grows in still water. It grows in wetlands. It needs a water temperature of 25°C or higher. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Also known as:

Chicken-head rice, Chicken-Head, Gorgon plant, Jewar, Jitoumi, Kanta padma, Khee sat, Kuntapadmu, Makana, Makhana, Makhna, Mellunipadmamu, Nikhori, Nikori, Phukhol, Phul-makhana, Qianshi, Shriew-u-pubon, Sin-kya, Spiny waterlily, Thanging, Thangjing, Utpal

Edible Portion

Where does Fox Nut grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Kashmir, Korea, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, Siberia, Taiwan, Vietnam

Notes: There is one Euryale species. Chemical composition (dried seeds): Protein = 9.9%. Fat = 0.3%. Carbohydrate = 75.7%. Ash = 0.6%. They are available dried in Chinese stores in Australia.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is cultivated for its starchy seeds. It is sold in markets. It has been cultivated as a food in China for 3,000 years.

Growing Fox Nut, Gorgon Nut, Prickly Water-Lily

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. The seed should be soaked in water at 21-23°C. The seed should be kept wet before sowing.

Edible Uses: The roots and seeds are eaten. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. They are used in curries. They are also pickled. The seeds can be used for flour. The rhizomes, young leaves and flower buds are eaten as a vegetable. The fruit are eaten raw and cooked. They are pickled.

Production: The fruit are available from July to October in Manipur in India.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Seed dry 346 8.3 1.2 - - - 13.6

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