Tigernuts Traders has been growing Tigernuts in Spain for several years. We obtain the highest quality Tigernuts by following the standards that have characterized us since the beginning.
The Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus, L. family Cyperaceae) is a shrub type of plant that can reach up to half a meter height and in the summer makes very simple golden flowers. But what really interests us is located underground: the roots of this plant produce small tubers, the Tigernuts, which look like potatoes: dark, rough, round shaped or elongated. With these Tigernuts horchata is produced, but also many other things.
Growing Tigernuts is a complex process and it requires much attention and skill on behalf of the farmers. The soil must be fertile, sandy and loose, so that the tubers can develop properly. This requires a lot of care and a lot of work of the land. Moreover, the climate must be warm and humid and the land on which it is cultivated should not be high.
Harvesting and processing of Tigernuts
Tigernuts tubers are planted in April and it is very important to irrigate them abundantly, especially in the hot months of summer. Harvesting takes place between November and December, when each plant has completely developed its roots and, with them, the new tubers. To take them out of the ground, we first remove the herbaceous part of the plant from the field and then a machine pulls the Tigernuts off the ground.
Once harvested, they are washed thoroughly to remove the soil and roots. Afterwards, they are dried very carefully so that they lose moisture and adopt their distinct flavour and aroma, with a clear recall of the soil in which they grew in.
Once dried, the Tigernuts are ready for consumption, either in the form of horchata, or as a snack or even as flour which is then used to produce granola, energy bars, cakes, etc.
Tiger nuts benefits
Thanks to their characteristics, we consider them a superfood (more information on: Reasons why Tigernuts are a superfood). Tigernuts have many properties, which make them beneficial and ideal for those who are seeking a healthy diet:
- High fibre content
- Source of iron, potassium and magnesium
- Contain Omega-6 fatty acids
- Rich in vitamin C and E
- Cholesterol free, low in salt
- Important source of carbohydrates
Thanks to these proprieties, Tigernuts have become one of the healthies and most demanded products of the moment, even by consumers of organic products. Their demand continues to grow and new applications are emerging for this amazing tuber that we already consider one of the great foods of the future.
Spanish Tigernuts: old and new uses
- Horchata: under this name is known the so called Tigernuts milk, a sweet tasting liquid ideal for the hot summer months. Horchata is very popular in the south-eastern coast of Spain, it is usually consumed with “fartons”, a typical baked dessert designed to be soaked in the horchata.Flour: was created especially for people with coeliac disease or diabetes. It is rich in fibre and perfect for bakery and confectionery applications. In addition, it helps activate the circulatory system.
- Oil: is perfect as dressing for salads or to be used for cooking. Also, thanks to its antioxidant content, it is highly used in cosmetics. It stimulates the absorption of calcium, prevents the appearance of eczema and even boosts fertility.
- Snack: Tigernuts can also be eaten as a healthy snack, thanks to their Omega-9 content. To do this, first soak them in water for 4 hours, this way they get softer and rehydrated.
As a conclusion, Tigernuts have become an essential product in the recent years because they only provide good nutrients for the body.