The very first thing that you should know about chufa, earth almonds, or as they’re most commonly referred to as tiger nuts is that they aren’t really nuts. They are, in fact, edible tubers, similar to peas in sizes, but instead of having a smooth surface, they are wrinkled, which is exactly why they’re called tiger nuts.

What are tiger nuts, exactly? They are harvested from a plant called yellow nutsedge, they have a chewy texture, and the nuts taste like almonds and pecans. They’re full of a wide range of nutrients and vitamins, all of which can provide individuals with various health benefits.

For starters, consuming tiger nuts can help different individuals with their digestion, mostly because they’re filled with insoluble fibers. This means that they can easily pass through the stomach without being digested, hence, it can help other substances move freely through the digestive system. Another important benefit is that they could help people control their blood sugar levels. How is that possible? Well, they’re rich in amino acid arginine, a substance that could boost insulin production, something that is extremely important for keeping blood sugar levels under control. Additionally, as mentioned, they contain various nutrients, including carbs, proteins, vitamins E and C, as well as zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and so on.

There are various ways that tiger nuts can be consumed. For starters, individuals could dig them our the ground, wash them, and consume them, however, they could also be juiced, boiled, or roasted, but this will depend on the preferences of the consumer. These nuts are also packaged, but in order to extend the shelf life of the products, they must be completely dried. Lastly, they could be sold as flour or milk that can be used for creating other products and that have numerous health benefits.