Long before the word 'superfood' entered the global wellness lexicon, Indian farmers and communities were cultivating ingredients of extraordinary nutritional depth. At Urban Platter, we're committed to celebrating and preserving these heritage ingredients — and making them accessible to every kitchen.
Makhana: Bihar's Ancient Aquatic Crop
Makhana, or fox nuts, are harvested from the Euryale ferox plant — a flowering aquatic plant that grows in the wetlands and ponds of Bihar, Manipur, and parts of Rajasthan. Bihar alone accounts for over 90% of the world's makhana production.
The harvesting process is entirely manual and deeply skilled. Farmers wade into ponds to collect the seeds, which are then sun-dried and roasted over open flames to produce the light, crunchy puffs we know. It's labour-intensive work that has sustained farming communities in the Mithila region for centuries.
Nutritionally, makhana is remarkable: high in protein, low in fat, rich in magnesium and potassium, and naturally gluten-free. It's one of India's most underrated superfoods — and one we're proud to champion.
Goan Cashews: A Coastal Legacy
The cashew tree was introduced to Goa by Portuguese traders in the 16th century and has since become deeply woven into the region's agricultural and cultural identity. Goa's coastal climate — warm, humid, and well-drained — produces cashews of exceptional quality, with a buttery richness that sets them apart from commodity cashews.
Our Goan cashews (Grade W320) are sourced from the region's established cashew belt, where smallholder farmers tend orchards that have been in their families for generations. Choosing Goan cashews means supporting this agricultural heritage and the communities that maintain it.
Why Indian-Origin Ingredients Matter
India is one of the world's most biodiverse agricultural nations, with thousands of indigenous crop varieties, traditional growing practices, and regional food cultures. Many of these are under threat from industrial monoculture and the homogenisation of global food supply chains.
By sourcing Indian-origin ingredients with clear provenance — and telling their stories — we hope to contribute, in a small way, to preserving this extraordinary heritage.