How to make organic tigernuts powder with coconuts and dates. Very healthy combo🫰👌

 

What are tigernuts?

Tigernuts, also known as chufa nuts or earth almonds, are a type of edible root vegetable that belongs to the sedge family. They are native to Africa and the Mediterranean region.

Tigernuts are small, brown, and tuberous, with a sweet, nutty flavor. They are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious snack. Tigernuts are also gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

In Nigeria, where you are, tigernuts are  popular ingredient in traditional cuisine, particularly in the northern region. They are often eaten raw, roasted, or used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stews, and desserts.

Tigernuts have several potential health benefits, which includes:

■ Supporting digestive health due to their high fiber content

■ Providing a good source of protein and healthy fats

■ Being rich in antioxidants and other essential minerals

■ Helping to regulate blood sugar levels

What's the work of dates in this powder?

Dates are commonly used as natural sweeteners. They are a nutritious and versatile alternative to refined sugars.

Here are some reasons why dates are used as sweeteners in this combo rather refined sugars.

■ Dates are rich in Fiber: Dates are high in dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.

■ They have Antioxidant Properties: Dates contain antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

■ Rich in Minerals: Dates are a good source of essential minerals like potassium, copper, and iron.

■ They have natural Sweetness: Dates are naturally sweet, with a sweetness level comparable to honey or maple syrup.

■ They have Low Glycemic Index: Dates have a low glycemic index, which means they won't cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels.

Steps in making a healthy tigernut/coconut/dates powder.

1. Wash the tigernuts thoroughly

Washing tigernuts thoroughly is essential to remove dirt, sand, and other impurities. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash tigernuts:

■ Start by rinsing the tigernuts in a large bowl or container with cold running water.

■ Agitate the tigernuts gently to dislodge any loose dirt or debris.

■ Fill a large bowl or container with enough water to cover the tigernuts.

■ Soak the tigernuts in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

■ Change the water halfway through the soaking process to ensure the tigernuts are thoroughly cleaned.

■ After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to gently scrub the tigernuts.

■ Focus on removing any stubborn dirt or debris that may be stuck to the surface.

■ Rinse the tigernuts under cold running water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

■ Repeat the rinsing process several times to ensure the tigernuts are thoroughly cleaned.

2. Bring out the coconut from the shell, wash thoroughly to remove dirts and chop into tiny slices, this is to aid the grinding process so as not over work the blender. Industrial grinders can do the work perfectly even if they are not cut though. It's important you use healthy coconuts and not the spoilt ones.

These are tips that would help you know and select healthy coconuts

■ Color: A healthy coconut should have a brown or tan shell, depending on the variety. Avoid coconuts with gray, white, or moldy patches.

■ Shape: Choose a coconut that is symmetrical and oval in shape. Avoid those that are misshapen or have cracks.

■ Eyes: The "eyes" of the coconut should be dry and free of mold or mildew.

■ Weight: A healthy coconut should be heavy for its size.

■ Sound: Shake the coconut gently. A healthy coconut should have a sloshing sound, indicating that it has a good amount of liquid inside.

■ Shell: The shell should be hard and not easily dented.

■ Husk: The husk should be dry and not easily pulled away from the shell.

3. Remove the seeds from the dates and wash thoroughly. You can follow the steps above (washing coconut)

4. Drying: You can either sun dry or oven dry. 

■ Sun drying: Spread tigernuts/coconuts/dates in a single layer on a tray or mat and dry in direct sunlight for 2-3 days.

■ Oven drying: Preheat oven to 50°C (122°F). Spread tigernuts on a baking sheet and dry for 2-3 hours.

You can decide to roast them by: 

■ Pre-heating the oven to 180°C (356°F).

■ Spreading them (tigernuts/coconut/dates) on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Grinding: You can either use blender or food processor or grain Mills to grind them to finer powder.

■ Blender or food processor: Grind dried tigernuts into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.

■ Grain mill or spice grinder: Use a grain mill or spice grinder to grind tigernuts into a finer powder.

6. Sifting: Sift the powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or large particles.

7. Packaging: Store tigernut powder in an airtight container to preserve flavor and aroma.

Use tips to make a very healthy, flavourful tigernuts/coconuts/dates powder.

■ Use high-quality tigernuts for better flavor and texture.

■ Adjust roasting time and temperature to suit desired flavor.

■ Sift powder regularly to maintain texture and prevent clumping.

■ Use tigernut powder in baking, smoothies, or as a supplement.