Tigernut Chufa [Cyperus esculentus var. sativus]

The tigernut or earth almond 'Chufa' is a perennial vegetable and medicinal plant from Africa with a long tradition. In Egypt it is one of the oldest cultivated plants and was grown 6000 years ago and used as food. The robust plants develop long 1cm wide, light green and three-edged stalks. The rhizomes, which are formed on thin underground foothills, possess a thin skin and white core, are rich in valuable oils and taste incomparably sweet-nutty raw or roasted. A delicacy! In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is also used for various digestive indications. A high-quality food and frying oil can also be obtained and roasted the rhizomes can be used as fish bait. Suitable for phytosanation of soils. Suitable for allergy sufferers, lactose-and gluten-free. Rhizomes can be stored for years.

General information
Plant family: Cyperaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 200 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root Type: Shallow Root
Nutrient requirements: Medium Eaters
Water Requirements: Means
Winter hardiness: Up to 5 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, moist, loamy, humus

PH: 4.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Dark germ
Seed Depth: 1-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 14-16 °C
Germination time: 10-40 days
Planting, row spacing: 40x40 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Barley, Marigold, Borage
Unfavorable mixed culture:-

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly into the open air from March. We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from February to May.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to April, with planting in May.

General
In the case of earth almond, we recommend pre-culture. Sow 1 rhizome per pot and let the rhizomes germinate at warm temperatures. Ab dem 2. Plant the pair of leaves per plant in a large 50l container or place directly in the bed.
Earth almond prefers a sunny location with a nutrient-rich, humus-rich loam soil. Prepare the soil with deposited compost or animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Rhizomes germinate irregularly in a period of 5 weeks. Resistant to water fluctuations, a constant moist soil promotes yield. Can also thrive in windy locations. The rhizomes are hardy in the soil up to at least-10 ° C. Earth's almond is a neophyte, spreads rapidly and is a so-called hyperaccumulator: this means that the plants place heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in their tissues. As a result, this species is also used for the so-called phytosanation of soils. For this reason, for example, heavy metal-contaminated mining dumps are planted with earth almonds in order to remove the harmful metal ions from them. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds or rhizomes.

Care Plants
Soil improved with compost or animal manure, replacing additional fertilizers. No maintenance necessary.

Germination ability of seeds: 9-10 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Cyperus esculentus var. sativus
English Names: Tigernut, Earth almond
German names: Erdmandel, Tigernuss
Portuguese names: Noz de tigre
Spanish Names: Chufa, la chufa
French names: Souchet, Noix tigrée