Nutri-Tiger Beverage is a tiger nut-based drink that has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its nutritional benefits and unique taste. Tiger nuts, also known as Cyperus esculentus, are tubers that have been consumed for centuries in various cultures. In Nigeria, the drink made from tiger nuts is commonly referred to as Kunun-Aya.
Overview of Tiger Nut Milk (Kunun-Aya)
Tiger nut milk, or Kunun-Aya, is a traditional beverage in Nigeria, particularly popular in the northern regions. It is known for its creamy texture, slight sweetness, and potential health benefits. The drink is made by blending soaked tiger nuts with water and sometimes adding other ingredients like ginger, dates, and coconut milk for enhanced flavor and nutritional value.
Health Benefits
Tiger nut milk is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, which include:
- Nutritional Value: Tiger nuts are rich in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins (such as vitamin E and C), and minerals (like magnesium and potassium).
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
- Antioxidant Properties: Tiger nuts contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Probiotic Potential: Some studies suggest that tiger nut milk can act as a probiotic, promoting gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria.
Microbial Concerns and Safety
Despite its benefits, there are significant concerns regarding the microbial safety of homemade tiger nut milk. Studies have shown that tiger nut milk can harbor various microorganisms, including:
- Bacteria: Bacillus, Escherichia, and Salmonella are common bacterial isolates found in tiger nut milk. Salmonella can transmit typhoid fever, often due to contaminated water used in processing.
- Fungi: Aspergillus, Candida, and Saccharomyces are the main fungal isolates. Aspergillus can produce aflatoxins, which are harmful mycotoxins, although levels found in tiger nuts from Kaduna city were within safe limits.
The high contamination levels in homemade tiger nut beverages highlight the need for strict hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems during manufacturing and storage to ensure safety.
Preparation of Tiger Nut Milk
Making tiger nut milk at home involves a few simple steps:
- Soaking: Soak dried tiger nuts in water for 24-48 hours to rehydrate them.
- Blending: Blend the soaked tiger nuts with water, ginger, dates, and coconut milk until liquified.
- Straining: Use a cheesecloth to strain the mixture, extracting the milk and leaving behind solid remnants.
- Chilling: Transfer the milk to a container and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Regulatory and Safety Measures
The recent cholera outbreak in Lagos, linked to an unregistered tiger nut drink, underscores the importance of regulatory oversight. The drink in question was not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), making it difficult to trace its origin and ensure its safety. This incident highlights the need for:
- Proper Registration: Ensuring all beverages are registered with relevant authorities to facilitate traceability and accountability.
- Public Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of consuming only registered and regulated products.
- Hygiene Practices: Encouraging good hygiene practices during the preparation and storage of homemade beverages to prevent contamination.
