Kunnu Aya: Unconventional Plant-Based Milk from Tigernuts
In the world of non-dairy milk alternatives, tigernut milk is a hidden gem that's worth exploring. This nutritious beverage, known as Kunnu Aya in Nigeria and Horchata de Chufa in Spain, offers a naturally sweet, creamy, and nutty flavor that can be enhanced with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and sweetener.
Tigernuts, the main ingredient in tigernut milk, are a significant source of food in northwest Africa for both the poor and wealthy. They are a good source of prebiotics like inulin and resistant starch, which are beneficial for gut health.
Beyond being a good source of nutrients and prebiotics, tigernuts offer several notable health benefits. For instance, they contain healthy monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health. Their phytochemicals contribute to reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immune response. The rich dietary fiber in tigernuts supports gut health, prevents constipation, and may help with weight management by promoting satiety.
Tigernuts can also help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for metabolic health. They are associated with increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels due to their content of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil, avocado, and pork fat.
The recipe for Kunnu Aya, a Nigerian-style Tigernut Milk, requires soaking 8 ounces of tigernuts in warm water for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours before use. The soaked tigernuts, along with a Ceylon cinnamon stick, 3 cardamom pods, and optional 1/4 cup of jaggery, are blended until they form a smooth paste. Water may be added during blending to allow even blending. The blended paste is allowed to rest in the fridge for an hour before being pressed through a nut milk bag and served over ice.
In Nigeria, kunnu aya may also be flavored with alligator pepper. Tigernuts are a suitable alternative for people who must avoid nuts in baking and cooking. This non-dairy milk option is a preferred choice for many due to its nutrient-rich profile and unique flavor.
Tigernuts have a long history in folk medicine, traditionally used to treat digestive issues and upset stomachs. So, whether you're looking for a delicious and nutritious beverage or a remedy for digestive woes, tigernut milk could be just what you need.
- Beyond serving as a popular beverage in various global cuisines, tigernut milk is also a significant part of health-and-wellness lifestyles, offering numerous health benefits.
- Tigernuts, the main ingredient in tigernut milk, are not only a rich source of prebiotics but also contribute to healthy-cooking practices, offering benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and gut health.
- In the realm of food-and-drink alternatives, tigernut milk stands out as a nutritious and flavorful option for those following a lifestyle focused on health and wellness, including fitness-and-exercise and nutrition.
- As a versatile ingredient, tigernuts can be incorporated into various lifestyle choices, from being a popular ingredient in cooking global-cuisines to being a suitable alternative for people with dietary restrictions in food-and-drink choices.
