TIGER NUTS

HISTORY

The Tiger nut is not really a nut but a small tuber first discovered some 4000 years ago. It is a native of Mediterranean region. They were also cultivated by the ancient Egyptians and found in paintings in the tomb of Rekhmire. In the tomb was an inscription detailing how to make small loaves of a mixture of tiger nuts and honey. The ancient recipe: - First of all a quantity of tiger nuts should be ground in a mortar until they are of the consistency of flour. Put this in a bowl with honey and mix to form dough. Then put the mixture in a pan with a little oil and cook over a low fire until a firm paste has formed. This should smell toasted but not burnt. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool then take a little of the paste at a time and form into conical “loaves.” This was probably one of Rekhmire’s favourite foods and the recipe would have been written down so that it could be made for him in the next world.

NAMES

It has many other names like Zulu nut, yellow nut grass, Yellow Nut Sedge, ground almond, edible rush, Ofio, motha, Chafu and rush nut.

FAMILY

There are two major species of the nutsedge genus Cyperus found as a weed in the tropics and subtropics on all types of disturbed soil. The genus name Cyperus is from Cypeirus, the ancient Greek name for this genus. The species name esculentus is Latin and means edible and it’s a close relative of Cyperus rotundus (purple nutgrass) a severe problem weed in Florida.

CULTIVATION

Tiger nuts have been cultivated for two main reasons, as a livestock food (the grass) and for human consumption of the tubers. Tiger nuts were widely grown in Florida in the 1940’s. These nuts were widely available in Britain in the 1960’s (Apparently they gained popularity in the post-war years when sugar was in short supply). In the 1980s, they were still grown for livestock feed on a few farms in Florida. In Spain, Ofio is planted outdoors from late spring or from April through to September, dried during September and October until they are finally harvested in November/December. Like rice they need irrigation on a weekly basis, and seem to be particularly well adapted to the climate around the Spanish Mediterranean coast. They are also grown in Egypt where they are used in perfumes, food, medicine and ice cream flavoured with them or biscuits. Tiger nuts are widely cultivated in and exported from China, Mali and the Ivory Coast. Seldom grown as a food item in home gardens anymore, tiger nuts are now only available in health food shops or as fishing bait.

PRESERVATION

Tiger nuts can be kept for several years if dried properly. Usually it takes about three months of even drying to preserve them.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Tiger nuts is widely used all over Africa and it is rich in fibre, has 20-30 per cent tiger-nut oil which is nourishing to the epidermis, nullifies hard-knots in the stomach and acts as a coolant to hot flushes associated with premature menopause. The high fibre content of Ofio makes it a wonderful colon evacuator and cleanser. They have a high content of soluble glucose and oleic acid. They contain minerals: - chromium, sodium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc, and have a high vitamin E and C content. Apart from all these beneficial ingredients, they also contain all the amino acids and some of the B-complex vitamins. The following are also the benefits of Ofio.

1.       It prevents constipation.

2.       It has necessary essential minerals; calcium, magnesium and iron necessary for bones, tissues repairs, muscles and the blood stream.

3.       Ofio contains a good quantity of vitamin B1 which assists in balancing the central nervous system and helps to encourage the body to adapt to stress.

4.       It supplies the body with enough quantity of Vitamin E, very essential for fertility in both men and women.

5.       It is excellent for colitis and assists proper digestion. In China, Ofio juice is used as a liver tonic, heart stimulant, drank to heal serious stomach pain, to promote normal menstruation, to heal mouth and gum ulcers, use in Ayurvedic medicines and is a powerful aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant).

6.       The black specie of the tiger nut is an excellent medicine for breast lumps and cancer (any type of internal canceration and inflammations).

7.       It can be used as eye compress and to bandage wounds.

8.       Tiger nuts give a heating and drying action to the digestive system in general and this gives it the potency to alleviate flatulence.

9.       Ofio promotes the production of urine, this is why it is a preventive measure for cyst, prostrate, hernia, rectum deformation and prolapsed (anal feature-small painful flesh and the tip of the anus) and to prevent endometriosis or fibrosis as well as blockage of the tip of the fallopian tube.

10.    It is believed that they help to prevent heart attacks.

11.    Based on Research, They are thought to be beneficial to for diabetic people due to its nutritional values and presence of sucrose, it is even better than the chocolate “ideal for children, old people and sportsmen”

12.    It is used to increase the size of female breasts

13.    It improves poor eyesight

14.    Regulates body weight

15.    Used to cure skin disorders

16.    Helps uterine contractions in child birth.

COMSUMPTION

Tiger nuts can be chewy and tough just like coconuts, but this toughness can be alleviated by boiling or soaking. They can also be incorporated as a replacement for coconuts in food, sauce, ice creams and so on (creativity is key). Tiger nut milk can be extracted for direct consumption.

MAKING TIGER NUT JUICE
Fetch 260g of dried tiger nut, 11/2 liter of water and one lemon rind, Wash Ofio and soak for 24 hours, change the water 2-3 times to avoid bad smell, drain off water well and blend with a rind of lemon, add 1liter of water and allow standing for about 20 minutes - sieve with a neat cloth two times, Put in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours and serve in glasses of crushed ice. Nursing mothers should eat a lot of tiger nuts for enough production of their breast milk to satisfy their babies.    

CAUTION

Ofio is cholesterol free but contains 2.9 grams of sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation by people with blood group ‘O’.

Amazing alternatives to drinking water.

Stepping out from my house this morning i was greeted by the high temperature of the sun, generating a sweaty responds from my body. Looking at the joruney i was about to embark on and the hot weather i sighed...
On return from my body draining joruney, i decided this is a good time to discuss a healthy, low cost and delicious way to quench thirsts.

Basics:

About two-thirds  (2/3) of the human body is water, about 62% in an average male or as much as 76% in an infant. so in order to keep the body balanced and healthy it is important that we have a good dose of water daily. The issue of the amount of water to be consumed daily can not be over flogged as water deficiency can lead to low blood pressure, clotting of blood, kidney malfunction,severe constipation, even brain damage and many more. Taking the right amount of water daily is a good and simple technique to stay healthy, active and alive.

Water is boring:

A good quality glass of water should be colourless, odourless and tasteless. Any form of colouring, taste or odour in water is a sign that the consumption of such is dangerous.
Yes the first and most effective thirst quencher can be boring and unappealing to the eyes, but this universal liquid as kept man alive since the begining and has several other benefits apart from keeping us alive it aids digestion, helps to cushion our joints and prevents shocks in them, present in blood is the carrier of oxygen and nutrients to all our body cells, present in the Lymph helps the body to fight against various diseases, helps to regulate and maintain our body temperature. That explains why wet poultices are used to cure fevers.

Drinking water at room temperature is the best thirst quencher.

Alternative thirst quenchers:

 Thirsty but hate water?
some people who are averse to drinking water because of its boring characteristics (looking plain) have resorted to unhealthy living in order to quench thirst and savour the taste of a sweet drink (no judging). These attitude have led them to a number of untold sorrowies, from developing diseases such as Diabetes. There still exists a number of natural liquid containing fruits that can be alternated with water for the benefit of getting a full dose of daily water consumption.  

Watermelon:

The number one water logged vegetable ever is the watermelon. It is pocket friendly, you can get watermelon that can go for four (4) servings for as low as NGN 300. You can identify a fresh and healthy watermelon by knocking its shell, if it gives you an hollow sound then you are sure you have picked a ripe and fresh one. A good watermelon should be pink on the inside when cut into bites, it should also be looking drained (that is collected). There are several benefits of watermelon from its ability to hydrate the body, it contains low calories this should be an apealing factor to weight watchers, its a good source of vitamins A, C and B6. (for  more information about watermelon check my blog title 5facts about water melon).

Pineapple:

Pineapple is another amazing water logged fruit, it excites the tastes bug and apealing to the eyes. Fortunately, pinapples are abundant in West Africa and the cost of purchase is low. So here we are with a pocket friendly alternative for hydration. Pineapples sell for NGN (100-400) depending on the size and species. Identifying  fresh and healthy pineapple is key, the good news however, is  that pineapples are easily identifiable as it usually rot on the outside and licks liquid. In purchasing a pineapple check for any sign of rot or lickages, a fresh pineapple should in most cases have a yellow sink , hard and dry. Some of the health benefit of pineapples are its ability to prevent blood clot formation because of its bromelain content, it is a good source of viitamin C, it also contains sulphur and helps digest protein. Pineapples are also low in calories which makes it a great alternative for weight watchers.

To be continued.

5 Top Facts about water melon

Water melons can be highly refreshing especially when served cold. Below is a list of the top five (5) facts about what makes water melons thick.

1. Water melon reduces inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

2. Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.

3. Watermelon is a vegetable! It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

4. In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.

5. Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.

So when next you buy watermelon from the market know that every part in your mouth is a munch towards improved health.

Food fats and others

This is my first post on my blog and i'll be giving you some facts about food, fruits and its derivatives to keep you healthy even as you enjoy your various delicacises.

Enjoy.