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Tigernuts are starchy tuber vegetable that has been cultivated for centuries in different parts of the world. They are very rich in resistant starch fibre and are a powerhouse of nutrient. Tigernuts have a rich, nutty taste; unlike the sugar-loaded processed foods and snacks that are widely consumed today, they are rich in key vitamins and minerals. What’s more, their consumption can aid bowel movement, reduce appetite and invariably promote weight loss. However, while the numerous health benefits of tigernut consumption are well-touted, people are largely unfamiliar with meals that can be made out of this superfood. Today, we’ll be discussing 6 ways of eating this food. Here they are:

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Whole Tigernuts

I don’t know about you but I enjoy eating the whole tigernut. In fact, it’s my best way of eating this food. In Port Harcourt where I live, I can always find Hausa vendors with their usual wheelbarrow full of this food at Agip Junction. Depending on my preference for the day, I can either buy the fresh tigernut or the dried ones. I just rinse the fresh one in salty water before eating but when I buy the dried ones, I usually rinse them in salty water then I soak them in lukewarm water for about one or two hours before draining it and enjoying my food.

Tigernut Milk

Tigernut milk is dairy-free. The Hausa call it kunun aya. This creamy, nutty flavoured milk is made by simply blending tigernuts, water and ginger in a high-power blender; the resulting smooth paste is poured into a muslin cloth which is then pressed to extract the milk. Mention must be made of the fact that there’s an alleged aphrodisiac version of tigernut milk. This version is made by adding coconut and dates to the tigernut, water and ginger blend.

Tigernut Pancake

Tiger Nut Flour Pancakes – Anthony's Goods — Anthony’s Goods

This delicious food is made with tigernut flour. The flour is gotten by dehydrating the pulp leftover from making tigernut milk. Tigernut pancake is prepared the same way as regular Nigerian pancake. But the best thing about this pancake is that it is moist and not too heavy.

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Tigernut Fufu

This gluten-free, grain-free and low carb swallow is one of the healthiest fufu meals that you can find. Tigernut fufu is made with tigernut flour. This fufu, like most vegetable swallow, cannot be moulded into balls; thus, it needs the help of low carb binders like xanthan gum and psyllium husk to bind. Of course, the fufu can be served with any Nigerian soup of choice.

Tigernut Smoothie

Tiger nut and dates juice recipe ▷ Legit.ng — Legit NG

A smoothie made from tigernut is a deliciously healthy way to start your day. Where smoothies are concerned, all you need to have an interesting breakfast is to get the basics right and to make use of healthy ingredients. This essentially means that there is no specific ingredients to make a smoothie; so, feel free to either use your favourite blend of ingredients or to experiment with a variety of ingredients.

Tigernut Bread

TigerNut Coconut Bread (with Coconut Flakes) | Recipe | Coconut bread, Ripe banana recipe, Paleohacks recipes — Pinterest

Another awesome way to enjoy tigernut is to make bread with tigernut flour. The flour is an excellent option for gluten-free baking. It adds extra moisture to the bread. Tigernut bread is usually a grain-free, sugar-free recipe. It’s easy to make too. You should try it sometime. In conclusion, tigernut are healthy, naturally sweet food that can be made into a variety of meals. Sources: Nourished Kitchen 9jaFoodie Featured Image Source: Healthline

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This article was first published on 12th November 2020

udevi-obiamaka-angela

Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com