Tiger Nuts a.k.a. Aki Awusa in Igbo, Aya in Hausa, Isip Isong in Efik/Ibibio, Ofio in Yoruba, Hausa Groundnut in Pidgin is surplus in the northern side of Nigeria, the northerners have a special treat called Kunu aya (tiger nut milk).
Let me summarise how you can make Kunu Aya.
You Need:
1) 500g of dry Tiger nut
2)1.5 litres of water
3)Additional ingredient (Sugar, ginger, milk,cinnamon, tumeric) based on preference.
How To:
1) Soak tiger nut in water for 2 days preferably in a fridge so that fermentation is controlled.
2) Wash and blend the soaked tiger nut .
3) Use stocking cloth to separate the milk from the chaff. Do this continously till all the milk has been extracted.
4)Package and store in the Fridge (the shelf life of Kunu aya is short and over exposure at room temperature could make it spoil).
I never knew this fruit were so nutritious till I did a little research on them. This are my findings .
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TIGER NUT
1) Tiger nut oil can be used for Cosmetic. As it is antidioxide (because of its high content in vitamin E it helps slow down the aging of the body cells. It favors the elasticity of the skin and reduces skin wrinkles.
2) It supplies the body with enough quantity of Vitamin E, very essential for fertility in both men and women.
3) It contains enough protein and carbohydrates
4) It is excellent for colitis and the juice is used as a liver tonic, heart stimulant, take to heal serious stomach pain, promote normal menstruation, heal mouth and gum ulcers, used in Ayurvedic medicines as a powerful aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant).
5) It prevents constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, debility (physical weakness) and indigestion.
6) It has necessary essential minerals; calcium,magnesium and iron necessary for bones, tissues repairs, muscles and the blood stream.
Next time you see this fruit, never underestimate it,its one of the best fruit choked with a lot of goodness you can find around.
7) It has been reported to be a “health” food, since its consumption can help prevent heart disease and thrombosis and is said to activate blood circulation and reduce the risk of colon cancer.. ..This and many more...
