'Chufa' Earth Almond - Cyperus esculentus var. sativus

'Chufa' Earth Almond – ancient historical crop plant with uniquely sweet‑nutty tubers. 

A robust, perennial chufa with 1-2 cm tubers and an incomparably sweet‑nutty, almond‑like flavor. It grows compactly, is easy to care for, and is ideal for open ground, greenhouses, and large containers. Versatile in use, high‑yielding, and vegetatively propagating – perfect for self‑sufficiency and organic cultivation.

  Origin & History

‘Chufa’ is a traditional tiger nut variety that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Originally native to Africa, it is among the oldest crop plants known to humankind. In Egypt, it was grown more than 3,500 years ago and valued as an important food source; archaeological findings even confirm its use as a grave offering in pharaonic tombs.

The tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus var. sativus) belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) and is botanically not a nut but an underground rhizome tuber. Its spread occurred through the Mediterranean region, reaching Spain in the 8th century via the Moors. In the region of Valencia, the variety ‘Chufa’ developed into a culturally significant plant that is still cultivated extensively today. It forms the basis of the traditional beverage “Horchata de Chufa,” which originated in Alboraia and has been regarded as a regional specialty for centuries.

The ‘Chufa’ variety has long been closely linked to Spain’s culinary tradition and has since spread to other parts of Europe. Due to its high nutrient content, it is now widely considered a superfood. Historical sources document its use not only as a food crop but also as a medicinal plant and as part of ritual practices. Its adaptability and high nutritional value made it a highly appreciated crop that continues to be preserved today, playing an important role in both modern gardens and agriculture.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows upright and grass‑like with long, triangular stems and reaches a height of about 60 cm. It forms underground runners, at the ends of which the characteristic tubers develop. Perennial in frost‑free regions, and cultivable as an annual in cooler climates.

Tuber details:

• Size: Small, approx. 1-2 cm in diameter

• Shape: Round to oval, slightly wrinkled

• Color: Light brown to golden brown, white inside

• Texture: Firm, crunchy, slightly coconut‑like; hard when dried

• Flavor: Sweet‑nutty, almond‑like, slightly earthy

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The tubers of the ‘Chufa’ variety are excellent for fresh consumption as a healthy snack, roasted as a crunchy topping, or ground into a gluten‑free flour for baking. They are especially well known as the key ingredient of the traditional Spanish Horchata de Chufa – a refreshing, milky beverage. Beyond that, they can be processed into tiger‑nut milk, used in mueslis, energy bars, and smoothies, or pressed into high‑quality culinary oil. Vegan desserts, plant‑based yogurts, and ice creams also benefit from their sweet‑nutty aroma, and when dried, the tubers store well for long periods and can be used in tea blends or confectionery.

Thanks to their robust growth and adaptability, ‘Chufa’ plants thrive reliably in open ground, greenhouses, and large containers (at least 30 cm deep). They are easy to care for, require little fertilization, and produce stable yields with regular watering. The tubers store extremely well. Loose, sandy‑humus soils promote tuber formation; the plant tolerates temporary dry periods, is generally resistant to diseases, and is therefore particularly suitable for organic cultivation, raised beds, and urban gardening. It propagates through underground runners, making vegetative multiplication especially simple for home growers. In addition, ‘Chufa’ has phytoremediation potential, as it can absorb heavy metals such as lead and cadmium from the soil, contributing to soil detoxification.

Compared to other root and tuber crops, ‘Chufa’ is easy to grow, highly versatile in use, and nutrient‑dense – ideal for anyone wishing to cultivate sweet‑nutty tiger‑nut tubers for self‑sufficiency.