How Do You Grow Tiger Nut?

What are tiger nuts?

Tiger nuts are one of the most nutritious, vitamin-rich nuts in the world. They are also known as “purple nuts” or “hairy seeds.” Tiger nuts grow on a vine-like shrub native to Southeast Asia. The species is called “ma huang” in Chinese, and “hu hu” in Thai. The season for tiger nuts is between March and August, depending on the part of the world you are growing them in. Tiger nuts are very hard, oval, yellow-orange seeds that grow in clusters. The shape and color of the seed make it easy for birds to spot and eat, so you’ll need to protect them from wildlife. Most of the health benefits of tiger nuts come from the seeds’ high protein and fat content. However, the seeds are also high in minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. The amino acid profile in tiger nuts is similar to that of human milk, making them an excellent source of essential amino acids.

How to grow tiger nut

Choosing a location for your tiger nut plants is very important. It will be the home of the vines, the food source for the tiger nuts, and the place where your harvest will be stored. Tiger nut vines like warm temperatures and lots of sunlight. If winter comes early to your part of the country, grow tiger nut plants in containers indoors. You can also grow tiger nut plants outside in a garden bed. For best results, choose a location where the soil temperature is warm and the soil is moist. Choose a sunny part of the bed with good drainage. Soil for growing tiger nuts should be a slightly acidic 6.5 to 7.5 pH. The pH level of the soil should be low enough that it’s not damaging to the roots of your tiger nut plant, but high enough that it’s not damaging to other plants in the bed.

Benefits of growing tiger nut

- High in Protein: Wild tiger nuts have an impressive 87% protein content. The amino acid profile of the tiger nut is nearly identical to human milk, making it an excellent source of essential amino acids. - High in Iron: Wild tiger nuts are a great source of iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the muscles, metabolism, and cell growth. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. - Antioxidant: The high-fat content in tiger nuts makes them an excellent source of antioxidants. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage. - Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for healthy immune function and metabolism.

How to eat tiger nuts

Tiger nuts can be eaten fresh or dried. They can also be bought as a roasted, salted product. When eaten fresh, tiger nuts are eaten raw or lightly steamed. For best results, shell the tiger nuts yourself before consuming. This ensures that the tiger nut kernels are as fresh as possible. When you’re ready to eat your tiger nuts, wash and remove the husks and shells. Dry the nuts on a kitchen towel and then store them in an airtight container. You can also store tiger nuts in the fridge, but they can stay fresh for up to a month when stored properly. Eat tiger nuts as a snack or add them to your daily diet as a healthy alternative to other nuts. You can also use tiger nuts as an ingredient in recipes. For example, tiger nuts can be blended into a smoothie or used to make a savory dish.

Final Words: Tiger Nuts Aren’t Just for Show

Few superfoods in the world are more talked about than the goji berry. And for good reason – these little chocolaty red berries are packed with vital nutrients and are a superfood for sure. But what about the tiger nut? It may not have as much attention, but it’s just as beneficial as the other two. The only difference is that it’s native to Asia, where it’s been consumed for centuries. And that makes it a much more unique superfood. So, whether you’re looking for a superfood that is native to Asia or you want to try another supernut, you can’t go wrong with tiger nuts.