What Are Tiger Nuts?
Tiger nuts are not nuts at all. They are the small, wrinkled tubers of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), a grass-like plant of the sedge family. They are also called chufa, earth almonds and tigernuts, after the stripes on their skin. Tiger nuts are one of the oldest cultivated foods: they were found in Egyptian tombs more than four thousand years old.
Today tiger nuts are best known in Valencia, Spain, where they are used to make horchata de chufa, a sweet, creamy, refreshing drink sold in every summer cafe. They are also a popular snack in West Africa.
Tiger nuts have a naturally sweet, nutty taste, somewhere between almond, coconut and vanilla. We offer them in several forms. Peeled tiger nuts are soft enough to snack on and blend well into milk. Sliced tiger nuts are great in granola and trail mix. Tiger nut flour is finely ground for baking, smoothies and porridge, and gives a natural sweetness to cakes, cookies and pancakes.
Because they are tubers, tiger nuts are free from tree nuts and naturally gluten free, which makes them popular in allergy-friendly and paleo baking.
Our tiger nuts contain only Cyperus esculentus tubers, with nothing added. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Tiger Nuts
- Tiger nut milk and horchata: Soak 1 cup (about 150 g) of peeled tiger nuts in water for 12 to 24 hours. Blend with 4 cups (1 liter) of fresh water, strain through a nut milk bag, and sweeten with sugar and cinnamon for horchata.
- Baking with tiger nut flour: Replace up to a third of wheat flour in cookies, muffins and pancakes, or use with other gluten-free flours.
- Snacks and breakfast: Add sliced tiger nuts to granola, trail mix, yogurt or porridge.
Safety
Introduce gradually, as tiger nuts are high in fiber. Keep out of reach of young children, as whole tiger nuts can be a choking hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tiger nuts nuts?
No. They are small tubers of Cyperus esculentus. They are naturally free from tree nuts.
What is horchata de chufa?
A sweet, creamy drink from Valencia, Spain, made by blending soaked tiger nuts with water, sugar and cinnamon.
What does tiger nut flour taste like?
It is naturally sweet and nutty, similar to almond and coconut.
Is tiger nut flour gluten free?
Tiger nuts are naturally gluten free. If you have celiac disease, check that the product meets your needs, as we handle other products in the same facility.
How should I store tiger nuts?
Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Store the flour in the fridge for longest freshness.
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