The main ingredient in every batch of Struesli is tiger nuts. This little ingredient packs a big nutrition punch, crispy texture, and unique mildly sweet flavor, and they're one of several reasons why Struesli stands out among other granolas.
What Are Tiger Nuts?
Tiger nuts are not a nut, bean, or seed. Rather, they are a tuber, a type of root vegetable that grows under the ground. They're in the same family as other nutrient-dense roots, including cassava, ginger root, Jerusalem artichokes, and sweet potatoes.
Tiger nuts are about the size of a chickpea, but they are wrinkly and have a slightly sweet natural flavor to them. Some people say that tiger nuts taste similar to almonds, even opting to call them "earth almonds." Others say that tiger nuts have a slightly sweet and nutty taste, similar to coconut. We say that they have a flavor that's all their own, and there's no better way to experience tiger nuts than by snagging a handful of Struesli as a snack.
The Health Benefits Of Tiger Nuts
Tiger nut plants (called yellow nutsedge) were originally grown in Northern Africa and now grow in all warm parts of the world. In terms of health benefits, tiger nuts have been described as being a bridge between nuts and tubers, and containing the health benefits of both of those food groups, namely healthy fibers and fats. Here are some of the reasons tiger nuts are a good-for-you ingredient:
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High in fiber: One ounce of tiger nuts provides 7 grams of fiber, and the type of fiber in tiger nuts is called resistant starch, which can help improve digestion, as well as feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut
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May help lower blood sugar: The high fiber content in tiger nuts is one reason they have been linked to having a low impact on blood sugar due to slowed digestion. Another reason is because tiger nuts contain an essential amino acid called arginine, which increases insulin production and sensitivity, and therefore reduces blood sugar spikes after eating
- Nutrients linked to heart health: Tiger nuts have a monounsaturated fat profile that is similar to that of olive oil. Eating more of these types of fats have been linked to lowered risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improved cholesterol levels
Tiger Nuts In Struesli
Struesli is made from a mix of organic tiger nuts, organic nuts, organic coconut, and organic seeds. The tiger nuts in Struesli are very thinly sliced and then roasted, giving them a unique crispy texture that makes this grain-free granola so unique and appealing. By roasting the tiger nuts, we remove some of the natural tannins, which also makes them even better for you and easier to digest.