We have all enjoyed a refreshing and delicious glass of horchata. That made with tigernut from Valencia. Probably many do not know where the raw material comes from, which is the basis of this traditional vegetable drink.
What is the tigernut from Valencia?
Many people think that tigernut is a dried fruit. Confusion contributed to by his English name (tigernut). It is actually a tuber It needs very special climatic and soil conditions for its cultivation. What makes in all Europe, is only cultivated in 19 towns of the garden north of Valencia.
After spending nine months in the field, the tigernut from Valencia it is collected, washed and taken to special drying rooms. It is at this point where one of the operations that has the most influence on its final quality.
El slow and careful drying lasts for more than three months. This has a decisive influence on the unique characteristics of the tigernut from Valencia and differentiates it from tigernuts from other sources.
The end result is a chufa whose quality has been recognized with the Designation of Origin Tigernut from Valencia. The highest distinction at the level of Agrifood Quality which offers the European Union.
A distinction that guarantees the excellence of the product and the link of this quality to a reference territory. The tigernut from Valencia it is quality, nature, culture and heritage.
A great food for health
This tigernut from Valencia has become today a benchmark of health and energy all over the world. Contains multiple beneficial properties for the body endorsed by various medical studies.
The tigernut has digestive properties very healthy due to its high content of starch and amino acids. In addition, it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and iron, as well as unsaturated fats and proteins.
Likewise, does not contain gluten or lactose, has a large amount of fiber. In the skin of the tigernut we find high amounts of suberin -which acts as prebiotic. It favors the growth of beneficial fermentative intestinal flora. Has a lipid profile with an amount of oleic acid (77%) very similar to olive oil.
The properties of tigernut
Therefore, its consumption is recommended for all types of people and of any age, being especially beneficial:
- Pregnant mothers, Its consumption is interesting due to the varied contribution of amino acids. Among which we must highlight the contribution of arginine.
- Children and adolescents, tigernut horchata or tigernut milk for its content in calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. It is very indicated in the growth stage. In fact, the horchata it has a higher amount of iron than cow's milk.
- Vegetarians, tigernut drink provides a series of nutrients and in more suitable proportions than other drinks of vegetable origin.
- Celiacs, since tigernut and its derivatives do not contain gluten.
- Lactose intolerant, as they do not contain lactose.
- Diabetics, well the arginine, amino acid present in tigernut and horchata, has secretagogic effects on insulin. So it could be beneficial for patients with type II diabetes.
- Hypertensive horchata is a non-alcoholic drink with a low amount of sodium. In addition, tigernut and horchata contain arginine (536.5 mg / serving). It is a type of amino acid precursor of nitric acid, a molecule with important vasodilator effects.
- People with cholesterol or triglycerides, due to its high percentage of oleic acid. The tigernut and foods derived from it could help in the control of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Thus, feeding and taking care of yourself at the same time is one of the many advantages offered by the chufa. As well as its derivatives, such as tigernut horchata from Valencia. This has become the superfood fashionable all over the world.
