Different Grades of Makhana and Their Uses—The Complete Guide by Mera Kisan
At Mera Kisan, every pearl of Makhana tells a story—of purity, craftsmanship, and tradition. But not all makhana are the same. Each one is carefully graded by size and texture before it reaches your table. Knowing these grades helps you pick the perfect makhana for your needs—whether it’s for snacking, cooking, or export.
What is Sutaa?
“Sutaa” is a traditional term used in Bihar’s makhana industry to classify sizes based on diameter and appearance.
What is the Makhana Grading System?
- Size (diameter in millimeters)
- Color and whiteness
- Shape and popping quality
- Broken ratio and texture
4 Sutaa (12–15 mm): The Everyday Essential
- This smaller size is packed with taste and nutrition.
- It absorbs flavors beautifully in milk or gravy—ideal for traditional dishes.
Use Case:
- Used in cooking and sweets like kheer and halwa.
- Suitable for everyday household use.
- Popular for temple offerings.
Best For: Home kitchens, sweet makers, and temple prasad.
Why: Soft texture and quick flavor absorption make it perfect for cooking.
5 Sutaa (15–18 mm): The Perfect Snack Size
- Balanced in size and shape, this is the most versatile grade for roasting.
- Crispy and uniform, it’s loved by snack manufacturers.
Use Case:
- Ideal for flavored makhana snacks.
- Perfect for roasting and seasoning.
- Common choice for retail snack brands.
Best For: Flavored makhana brands and retail packaging.
Why: Uniform size makes coating and roasting easy.
6 Sutaa (18–21 mm): The Export Favorite
- This premium grade shines with excellent whiteness and full popping.
- prized for its large size, bright whiteness, and excellent texture
Use Case:
- Preferred for export and gifting.
- Great for premium snack ranges.
- Used in luxury wellness products.
Best For: Export orders, luxury snack boxes, and premium gifting.
Why: Big size and consistent crunch give a superior appearance.
7 Sutaa (>21 mm): The Jumbo Royal Grade
- The largest and rarest makhana pearls — a true symbol of purity.
- They’re hand-selected for ceremonial, export, and luxury gifting use.
Use Case:
- Used in temple offerings and religious ceremonies.
- Best suited for export.
- Chosen for luxury gift hampers.
Best For: Religious offerings and international premium buyers.
Why: Their size and shine represent unmatched quality and tradition.
Why Mera Kisan Makhana Stands Apart
- Sourced from Bihar’s GI-certified ponds.
- Expertly roasted and hand-graded for precision.
- Packed with moisture-lock technology for freshness.
- Directly from farmers — ensuring purity, traceability, and fair trade.
Choosing the Right Grade for You
| Purpose | Recommended Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Export / Luxury Gifts | 6–7 Sutaa | Premium size and visual appeal |
| Flavored Retail Snacks | 5 Sutaa | Uniform popping and easy seasoning |
| Home Cooking / Kheer / Curry | 4 Sutaa | Soft texture for milk-based recipes |
| Temple / Traditional Use | 7 Sutaa | Symbol of purity and devotion |
Conclusion: One Crop, Many Stories
From the ponds of Bihar to shelves across the world, each grade of Makhana serves a purpose — from the humble 4 Sutaa used in kitchens to the majestic 7 Sutaa reserved for temples and export.
At Mera Kisan, we honor every grain as part of India’s natural heritage — pure, wholesome, and proudly homegrown. 🌾✨
