Madhūka, a versatile ingredient derived from the Madhuca Longifolia tree found in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and India, caught the attention of the founders of ōForest during a trip to India. The team spotted the ingredient’s potential to be used in a range of products, including nibs, tea, and powder.
According to co-founder Meera Shah, the sun-dried Madhūka flower is sweet and high in natural sugars. This sweetness is intensified during the drying process. The air-roasted dried flowers have a nutty, caramel-like, malty, and coffee-ish taste.
Madhūka has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, due to its high levels of potassium, manganese, vitamin B3, fiber, essential amino acids, and antioxidants. Additionally, this ingredient is also fat and salt-free, and the powdered form is rich in iron and copper.
The range of vitamins and minerals in Madhūka enables the brand to make health claims, including contributing to reducing tiredness, maintaining bones, normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage.
Working with local farmers, the brand developed new harvesting methods, eliminating manual collection in favor of harvesting nets. This change led to a four-fold increase in production, a 35% reduction in waste, and the prevention of forest fires.
Madhūka is a primarily tribal, indigenous food in India, consumed for its Ayurvedic medicinal properties. However, ōForest has developed cooking and production methods to unlock the ingredient’s full potential, enabling consumers to enjoy the ingredient in the UK and other countries.
As a superfood with unique flavors and health benefits, Madhūka is a promising ingredient in the global market.
