Importance of Moisture Content Measurement

Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus) are sweet almond-like tubers high in fiber, proteins, and sugars that can yield health benefits. They can be eaten raw, dried, roasted, or grated and be subjected to further processing. Its uses include cooking, baking flour, fish bait, extracted oil and milk in lieu of cow’s milk are all consumable options for both humans and animals. In Spain these tuberous “nuts” are mainly used to manufacture a milky beverage called “horchata de chufa.”

Physical and mechanical properties of tiger nuts are dependent on their moisture content; moisture content measurement becomes crucial during the drying process as the characteristics and natural sweetness in the nut are formed during proper drying. 

Once tiger nuts are harvested, they are taken to be washed of soil, ashes and crop remains. During this process, the tiger nuts lose their roots, the skin is cleaned, and the defective tubers are removed. The drying aspect of the tiger nits is most important as the harvesting of the crops normally comes with approx. 50% moisture and then is dried to around 10%.