There is a very simple reason for this: We want to communicate the beautiful and scientifically correct name of the original plant.
First back to the cause and the basic understanding of the different naming conventions: The popular snack is called “Phool Makhana” in India. The product has so far been imported into other countries under different names: from "Popped Lotus Seeds" or "Phool Makhana" to "Foxnuts" and "Gorgonnuts". Furthermore, out of ignorance, local farmers used to incorrectly translate the name of the planted flower into English as “lotus flower,” which is also known as the national flower of India.
Therefore, the first international brands were able to choose different naming options. We initially started with Lotus Pops as a product name for launch in 2021.
Customer feedback and further research followed: We collected numerous feedback from our Asian customers and spoke to the regional agricultural association in India about the naming convention. The most common feedback was that lotus seeds basically don't pop up under heat. Scientifically speaking, our pops are based on the seeds of the prickly water lily plant (Latin Euryale ferox), while the lotus seeds belong to the Nelumbo Nucifera plant (Latin). Both plants look very similar but have different nutritional profiles.
Water Lily Seeds Lotus Seeds
We have therefore decided to make Water Lily Pops known not only in India, but also in Germany and Europe! Now you can enjoy our light snacks as real water lily pops! However, nothing has changed in our ingredients and recipes.
If you have any further questions, please write to us by email: namaste@justnosh.de