How to Choose the Right Makhana Grade: 3 Murra to 6 Sutta+ Buyer's Guide
The right makhana grade depends on what you are making: bold 5 and 6 Sutta+ kernels for roasted snacks, 4 Sutta+ mixes for value packs, and 3 Murra or 4 Sutta for powder and kheer.
The best makhana grade depends on your end product. Choose 5 Sutta+ or 6 Sutta+ for premium roasted snacks, 4 Sutta+ for economy retail packs, and 3 Murra or 4 Sutta for powder and kheer. Makhana is graded by the size of the popped kernel using the Sutta system, where 1 Sutta equals 3.175 mm.
What do Murra and Sutta mean in makhana grading?
Murra and Sutta are traditional trade terms for kernel size. A higher number means a bigger, bolder kernel. A "+" grade is a mix of sizes at or above the named grade, so 5 Sutta+ contains 5 Sutta and 6 Sutta kernels together. The full chart is on our makhana grades page.
Phool makhana grade chart (HSN 20081921)
| Grade | Size (mm) | Standard mix | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Murra | 9.5 to 12.5 | 100% 3 Murra | Powder, kheer, grinding |
| 4 Sutta | 12.7 to 15.5 | 100% 4 Sutta | Kheer, cooking, value packs |
| 4 Sutta+ | 12.7 to 24 | 20% 4 Sutta, 50% 5 Sutta, 30% 6 Sutta | Economy retail packs |
| 4.5 Sutta+ | 14.2 to 24 | 20% 4.5 Sutta, 50% 5 Sutta, 30% 6 Sutta | Mid-range packs |
| 5 Sutta | 15.8 to 19 | 100% 5 Sutta | Uniform-size snack packs |
| 5 Sutta+ | 15.8 to 24 | 65% 5 Sutta, 35% 6 Sutta | Premium roasted snacks |
| 6 Sutta+ | 19 to 24 | 100% 6 Sutta | Premium and gifting packs |
Which grade should you choose?
For roasted and flavoured snacks
Brands that want bold, uniform kernels usually choose 5 Sutta+ or 6 Sutta+. Large kernels roast evenly and look premium in the pack.
For economy and value packs
4 Sutta+ and 4.5 Sutta+ mixes keep the pack full at a lower grade, which suits price-sensitive retail.
For powder, kheer and cooking
3 Murra and 4 Sutta work well where the kernel is ground or cooked, because kernel size matters less.
What does handpicked (HP) quality mean?
HP means handpicked. After cleaning and grading, each kernel is checked one by one on an inspection conveyor to remove discoloured or broken pieces. For export we supply 4 Sutta+, 4.5 Sutta+, 5 Sutta, 5 Sutta+ and 6 Sutta+ in HP quality.
Moisture, packing and minimum order
- Standard moisture is 8 to 11%. Reduced moisture down to 5% is available on request, and the price may increase because of weight loss.
- Standard packing is a two-layer PP bag: 20 to 25 kg for 3 Murra, 15 kg for 4 Sutta and 10 kg for the other grades. Custom packing is available.
- Domestic minimum order is 100 kg. Export air trial orders start from 8 kg.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bigger grade always better?
No. A bigger grade costs more, and it only pays off when kernel size is visible in the final product. For powder or kheer, a smaller grade is the sensible choice.
Can I ask for a custom mix?
Yes. Customised quality and packaging are available. Share your target size range and use, and we will suggest a mix.
See the phool makhana range or ask for a bulk quote.
Looking for a reliable makhana supplier?
National Makhana Udyog is a makhana manufacturer from Katihar, Bihar with a 12,000+ sq ft facility. We hold FSSAI, GST, MSME ZED Silver and IEC, and export through our group company Moso International Pvt Ltd. We supply bulk phool makhana, roasted & flavoured makhana, export-quality fox nuts and private label makhana across India and to importers worldwide.
