Health Food Fans Are Going Nutty For Tiger Nuts

They may have been a sweet treat for children in the 1950s but tiger nuts are making a comeback as the new superfood on the block.

The nuts were served by the quarter in sweet shops to children growing up in the middle of the last century and now adults are buying them in their droves for their health benefits.

Tiger nuts are full of iron, magnesium and potassium and contain Vitamins C and E and the chewy snack has a slight coconut flavour for good measure.

The nutrient properties are what make them a superfood, according to Navi Organics spokeswoman, Jemma Brett, who said that sales have been increasing over the past year.

She said: “We consider them a superfood, especially with their nutrient profile almost mirroring that of human breast milk, and the fact that they are gluten-free and nut-free makes them a wonderful alternative and healthy choice.”

Dieters are also snacking on them as they act as a mild appetite suppressant due to it containing starch that resists digestion, making us fuller for longer.

And for good measure, the resistant starch is also a probiotic, that helps us produce friendly bacteria for a strong immune system.

Ludovica Vigliardi Paravia, spokesman for Organic Gemini, said that when ground up, the resulting flour can be used for other recipes.

She said: “The flour can be used in most baking and smoothie recipes, adding a sweet and nutty flavour, and is gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free.

“You can use it for cookies, brownies, cakes – even pizza dough.”

Despite their name, tiger nuts are not actually nuts - they are in fact part of a grass-like plant called the yellow nutsedge.

Paleo dieters are thought to be behind the surge of sales over the past two years.

As long as they taste good, we’re in.