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.