HERBAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS - 40. Madhuca longifolia (Mahua)

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is a large, deciduous tree native to the northern and central parts of India. Tribal populations across the country value the flowers of this tree as a source of food. The mahua flowers are one of the most underutilized nutrient sources due to their extremely rare consumption among the Indian populace. The flowers are nutritionally balanced as a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibers in addition to minerals like iron and calcium. The most interesting attribute of the mahua flowers is their long shelf life after drying.