Tiger nut, Cyperus esculentus, also known locally as "atadwe" is a wild crop tuber species that is mostly used for a sweet, milk like beverage called horchata de chufa or tiger nut drink. The origins of tiger nut drink, or horchata de chufa, can be found in ancient Egypt, where tiger nuts were a highly prized food item and a regular element of meals. The heart-healthy lipids included in tiger nuts may increase blood circulation and vein and artery flexibility, lowering the risk of heart disease (Gambo and Da’u) . Additionally, they have 18 amino acids in their protein, which makes them a healthy plant-based protein source and helps to strengthen bones. Tiger nuts also have the potential to strengthen the immune system. To keep its freshness and improve its flavor, the drink is sometimes made with other ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, honey and sugar.
Ingredients
150g of tiger nut (1 cup)
5 cups of water
1 small knob of ginger
1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder
3 tsp of sugar
Directions
Soak the tiger nuts in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes to soften it.
In a food processor, put in the tiger nuts after draining it from the water and add the ginger, cinnamon and sugar.
Pour in 3 cups of water and blend it till a creamy consistency is achieved.
Depending on the type of processor being used, the juice would have to be strained after to remove the pulp.
The resulting creamy drink can be served warm or put in the fridge to cool depending on preference.
References
Gambo, A. and Da’u, A., 2014. Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus): composition, products, uses and health benefits-a review. Bayero journal of pure and applied sciences, 7(1), pp.56-61.
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