Ofio (Tiger Nuts / Aki Hausa)

February 2, 2025 Odiraa

Finding a healthy snack was one of the most challenging tasks when I decided to watch what I ate. Adding to that challenge, I was advised to increase my fiber intake.

So, my search began for a snack high in dietary fiber. Additionally, I wanted something locally available—supporting Nigerian-grown products is important to me.

Lastly, it had to be affordable so I could eat it daily if I wished.

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Discovering Ofio

I didn’t have to look far. I soon realized that Ofio would meet all my needs. If you are unfamiliar with the name, Nigerians refer to it differently depending on the region.

The Hausas call it “Aya,” the Yorubas “Imumu,” and the Igbos “Ofio” or “Aki Hausa.” Internationally, the Spanish call it “Chufa” and use it to make a drink called Horchata de Chufa. Similarly, the Hausas make Kunu Aya from it.

Although I have always liked Ofio, I had concerns about their hygiene when sold by local vendors.

They were often carried around in open wheelbarrows, exposed to dust, and sometimes rehydrated with water from unknown sources.

Worse still, I had purchased some in the past that looked like they had been nibbled on by rodents.

Luckily, I found hygienically packed Ofio—free from bite marks and contamination.

Why Ofio Is Great

Ofio has numerous benefits. Besides being affordable, it is widely used for medicinal purposes, cooking, baking, and even as an aphrodisiac.

It is also rich in antioxidants, making it a fantastic addition to any diet.

Health Benefits of Ofio

Rich in energy – Contains starch, fat, sugar, and protein.
High in minerals – Primarily phosphorus and potassium.
Loaded with vitamins – Particularly vitamins E and C.
More starch than potatoes – Almost twice the starch content.
Healthy fats – Contains 18% saturated and 82% unsaturated fatty acids.
High fiber content – The skin, often discarded, contains most of the fiber (59.71 g/100 g), primarily insoluble fiber (99.8%).

Dietary Benefits

Ofio is a rich source of essential nutrients, including:

Vitamins C and E.
Minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, proteins, and digestive enzymes.

Drinks made from Tiger Nuts contain more iron, magnesium, and carbohydrates than cow’s milk.

Additionally, they do not contain lactose, casein, cholesterol, or milk proteins, making them ideal for people who cannot tolerate gluten or dairy.

Weight Loss and More

Tiger Nuts can be a great addition to a weight loss program. Its high fiber content keeps you full for longer, reducing overeating.

Interesting Facts About Ofio

They are tubers, not actual nuts.
They taste like coconuts.
Ofio oil, milk, and flour can be made from them.
Their oil compares favorably with olive oil.
They can be hard to chew. Soaking them in water for a few hours makes them slightly softer, though not entirely soft.
When soaked, they can absorb up to three times their weight in water.
You can make Tiger Nuts milk at home and flavor it with cinnamon, lemon, or honey.
According to the Regulating Council of Denomination of Origin “Chufa de Valencia,” they are high in unsaturated fatty acids and good for skin and hair.

Making Ofio Milk

One day, I decided to make my own Tiger Nuts drink. Here’s how:

I put Ofio in a bottle and covered them with water. Since my bottle was graduated, I could see how much they expanded overnight.
By morning, they had absorbed water and softened slightly.
I blended them.

To make Tiger Nuts milk, strain the blended mixture using cheesecloth. You can enjoy it plain or flavor it with vanilla or cinnamon. Serve it cold for a refreshing drink, especially in hot weather.

I preferred to keep the fiber intact, so I drank it without straining. While it wasn’t smooth, it tasted really good.

Ofio in Daily Life

Back in the late ‘90s, on my way to school, I always bought Tiger Nuts mixed with groundnuts. It was my go-to snack.

Sometimes, after school, I mixed Tiger Nuts with cassava flakes (garri) and sugar for a filling treat.

The most popular by-product of Ofio is Kunu Aya, a traditional Hausa drink widely consumed across Nigeria.

Maximizing the Benefits

To fully enjoy Tiger Nuts, don’t discard the chaff after making milk. Instead, dry it out and mill it into flour. You can use this flour in baking or mix it with garri or pounded yam to increase fiber intake.

Tiger Nuts is truly a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether eaten raw, soaked, blended into milk, or used as flour, it is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.