Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Cyperus esculentus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious nut-like flavour but rather chewy and with a tough skin. — Tuber - raw, cooked or dried and ground into a powder.They are also used in confectionery.; A delicious nut-like flavour but rather chewy and with a tough skin.; They taste best when dried.; They can be cooked in barley water to give them a sweet flavour and then be used as a dessert nut.

Habitat & North American Range

Muddy soil and shallow water, also as a weed of cultivated ground in southern Europe. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)