I already mentioned that there was a delicious Horchata De Chufa around Christmas, even though at first I didn’t know what that chufa actually was. Well, a little Googling quickly clarified that it is a drink made from tiger nuts, i.e. ground almonds, which was initially enjoyed in the Valencia region as a refreshing summer drink. Horchata is also drunk elsewhere in the Spanish-speaking world, but the name may also refer to a traditional drink made from rice, sesame seeds, barley or just herbs. In Spain, however, it is a chufa drink, and you can buy it ready-made in cans, even as a powder to be mixed with water at the supermarket.
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Fortunately, tiger nuts can already be found in Finland, and at home, I decided to make my own tiger drink a taste of Spain, especially when I learned that it is done precisely the same way as making nut and seed milk. Despite their name, Pikkku Kikkarei is not nuts or seeds but the root tubers of the chestnut ray. Ancient, unassuming crops whose appreciation is on the rise for both nutritional and health benefits.
Horchatas ingredients:
- 250 g of tiger nuts, i.e. ground almonds
- plenty of water for soaking
- 1.5 l of fresh water
- (1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup)
- a pinch of cinnamon or 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest or both
How do you prepare tiger nut?
Soak tiger nuts in plenty of water for 24 hours. Change the water occasionally. Strain and rinse.
Put the soaked tiger nuts and approx. Half of the water that comes into the actual milk into the blender. Blend to a fine puree. Add the rest of the water, cinnamon and possibly lemon zest, and a little honey or agave syrup if you like. Continue to blend until milky. Let stand in the Blender pitcher for 1/2 hour before straining.
After this, pour the milk into a large bowl into a strainer bag or a hole lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the remaining fiber as dry as possible. I used the remaining fibers in gluten-free bread dough, which worked really well. Mix the prepared tiger milk and transfer it to the glass bottle(s) to be sealed. Store in the refrigerator. Mine was consumed quickly, as the whole family enjoyed the drink. However, it will keep for a couple of days in the cold, but the drink should always be stirred before serving.
Horchatas can also prepare from the following ingredients:
- Almonds, see under almond milk
- melon seeds
- Rice or rice flour, often also with cinnamon, lime and almonds
- Tigernuts (see Horchata de Chufa )
- pumpkin
- Coconut meat, the coconut milk is a type of horchata
- barley (see above)
- Barley malt (see Agua de Cebada )
- Corn
- Wheat
- There are special recipes for each ingredient.
Tiger nuts nutrition
Tiger nuts contain, e.g. iron, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorous and are very rich in good quality starch, dietary fiber and moderately also protein. It is known that not many people are allergic to them, and they can be enjoyed both raw and cooked—all in all, they are a perfect alternative to nuts and grains in both vegetable and plain cooking.
Chufas can be eaten directly from the bag, but they soften considerably by soaking, which is essential when you want to milk them. I made my own milk following the instructions I found online, and it was as easy as making hay. Until now, I’ve sworn by almond milk, but tiger milk (Horchata de Chufa) took the number one spot in one fell swoop. Sweet and rich but fresh. Delicious on its own and absolutely brilliant in chia porridge and as a side dish for morning muesli.
Nutritional value of Horchata de Chufa
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 259 |
| Total Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg |
| Sodium | 22 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 59 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 28 g |
| Added Sugars included | 25 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
| Calcium | 57 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 80 mg |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg |
Where did horchata originally come from?
The name derives from the Valencian language orxata, or perhaps from ordita; there is Italian, French and English horchata probably of the exact origin, and although the drinks themselves diverged at present diverged, they had a common source earlier.
Many legends confirm that this word’s origin may be traced back to its use by Jaime I, King of Aragon, who was the first to be given the drink in the Borayas and is said to have chanted it in the Valencian language.
History and composition: Is horchata Spanish or Mexican?
The drink is thought to have originated in North Africa and spread throughout Hispania during the 11th century (now Spain and Portugal). Records from the 13th century show a horchata-like beverage being made near Valencia, which is still popular today.
Horchata originated in Spain and was brought to the New World. Instead of tiger nuts, drinks called agua de horchata or simply horchata came to be made with white rice, cinnamon, or canella. These drinks were sometimes flavoured with vanilla or served with fruit garnishes.
Today, these and other similarly flavoured plant-based beverages are sold as variations of horchata or kunnu in various parts of the world.
Horchata variations
Horchata de chufa or kunnu aya
Horchata’s original form is the beverage presently known as horchata de chufa, also known as horchata de chufas or kunnu aya in several West African nations, including Nigeria and Mali. It is produced from tiger nuts that have been soaked, crushed, and sweetened.
Horchata de Arroz
Rice is the main ingredient of horchata de Arroz, which is frequently spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. In Mexico and Guatemala, it is the variant of horchata that is most popular. It is well-liked in taquerias and Mexican ice cream stores in the United States.
Horchata de ajonjolí
Toasted ground sesame seeds are used to make horchata de ajonjolí, often known as sesame horchata. In Puerto Rico, sesame seeds are customarily soaked for 24 hours after being covered with boiling water. After that, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon are added before straining. You can include rum, coconut milk, and evaporated milk.
Horchata de melón
Melon seed flour is used to make horchata de melón.
Semilla de jicaro
The drink semilla de jicaro is referred to as horchata. Jicaro seeds often referred to as “morro” seeds in the area, are blended with rice to create the base of the dish. The addition of ground cocoa, cinnamon, sesame seeds, nutmeg, tiger nuts, vanilla, ground peanuts, almonds, and cashews, depending on the region, is another option.
FAQ
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What are the ingredients in a horchata?
Rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon are the main ingredients of horchata, which is a popular drink in Mexican restaurants. But the name may also refer to a traditional drink made from rice, sesame seeds, barley or just herbs.
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Are tiger nuts hard to digest?
Tiger nuts are well known for having a lot of fibre. They become difficult to digest as a result, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The unprocessed fibre gives the stools substance and helps relieve constipation.
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What is the difference between Mexican horchata and Spanish horchata?
Spanish horchata is made using tiger nuts, while Mexican horchata is made with rice. Both hydrate and soften the underlying ingredient by soaking it in water. After blending the water and softened rice/tiger nuts, drain the mixture. Typically, you mildly sweeten both and frequently add a dash of cinnamon.
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What is horchata made of?
Rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon are the main ingredients of horchata, which is a popular drink in Mexican restaurants. But the name may also refer to a traditional drink made from rice, sesame seeds, barley or just herbs. In Spain, however, it is a chufa drink and you can buy it ready-made in cans, even as a powder to be mixed with water at the supermarket.
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Is horchata made from tiger nuts?
Spanish horchata is made using tiger nuts, while Mexican horchata is made with rice. Both hydrate and soften the underlying ingredient by soaking it in water. After blending the water and softened rice/tiger nuts, drain the mixture. Typically, you mildly sweeten both and frequently add a dash of cinnamon.
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Is drinking horchata healthy?
Because horchata has a lot of antioxidants, it will make your skin seem healthier. Daily horchata consumption may aid in reducing bodily inflammation, which can contribute to chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
