Everyone knows that nuts are a very useful product that should be included in your diet. Among them are quite exotic species for our edges, which were heard by no means all. These may include chufu. In our article we will talk about what kind of product, its benefits and methods of application.
Short description
Chufa, or earthen almonds, is a perennial plant of the sedge family. In appearance, it is very similar to chicken millet. The plant has dense bushes, their height reaches 80 cm, has sharp trihedral foliage. Differs branched root, which formed stolons. They are tying the tubers. Each bush has from 300 to 1000 tubers. 
In appearance, they resemble small chocolate-colored nuts, have an oval shape, wrinkle after drying. They are the same size as the nuts of this almond. Tubers contain white nucleoli.
Important! Harvesting should be carried out when the foliage is already completely yellow and dry. The later you harvest, the more nutrients there will be.Chufa is a subtropical grass that spread throughout the world from North Africa. Its industrial cultivation is engaged in Italy, Spain, South America and North Africa. Today chufu can be grown in any country.
Learn how to plant almonds, and get rid of pests.
Calorie and nutritional value
Chufa ranks first in calories, when compared with other nuts. 100 grams contains:
- proteins - 18.6 g;
- fat - 53.7 g;
- carbohydrates - 13 g
Vitamins, macro and micronutrients
The composition of earthen almonds has useful elements. There are many:
- Selena;
- zinc;
- sodium;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- iodine;
- copper.
To stimulate the heart, eat tomato, cranberry, hawthorn, iceberg lettuce and green bell pepper.
Benefits and healing properties
Regular, but moderate use of ground almonds can be of great benefit to the human body:
- promotes regenerative processes of the nervous system, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and heart function;
- energizing, beautiful tones;
- improves mood, increases muscle activity and brain function;
- used in the diet of diabetics;
- removes toxins and radionuclides from the body;
- helps in the fight against insomnia;
- contributes to the normalization of the psycho-emotional state, reduces the response to external stimuli;
- helps to cope with a cold;
- has antibacterial effect;
- allows you to clean the intestines from pests.
It will be interesting to know how the pine nuts and walnuts are useful, as well as green walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, hazelnut and pistachios.
How to eat and what can be cooked
Chufa is quite often used in cooking. It is an excellent substitute for regular almonds. It can be eaten in a different form, it is tasty fresh, dry and fried. Chufa is an indispensable ingredient of the most famous drink in Spain - orshad. So called almond milk, which has an incredible taste. Often for the manufacture of confectionery products used chufovoy butter, which is mixed with cocoa, chocolate, pastries, halvah and other confectionery.
Did you know? In different countries, chufa has its own name. In Italy and Germany - "earthen almonds", in Arab countries - "sweet root", in Portugal and Brazil - "tuberous grass".We offer you the recipe of the national soft drink of Spain - orshad.
- Crush fresh blender nuts and fill them with warm boiled water. Use a ratio of 1: 4.
- 24 hours this mixture should be infused.
- Strain the mixture using a small sieve, wipe the chufu on it.
- As a result, you get the milk, which is worth putting vanilla, cinnamon and sugar to taste.
Cool the drink and enjoy its taste.Application in other areas
Earthen almonds are used not only in cooking. Consider where else the nut has found a use.
Check out the popular almond varieties.
In folk medicine
Due to the presence in the composition of nuts a large number of useful elements and vitamins, it is often successfully used in traditional medicine. The use of nucleoli helps to improve the health of people with anemia, diabetes. In addition, almonds will help in a short period of time to get rid of problems with urination and remove stones from the kidneys. If you have a disease of the stomach or duodenum, an ulcer or gastritis, this product should definitely be included in your diet. 
Due to the use of chufa, the level of acidity in the stomach is normal, it is often used as a choleretic drug, it improves the functioning of the liver. Regular use of the nucleoli will allow you to forget about headaches, migraine attacks and insomnia. To eliminate toothache, it is recommended to rinse the mouth cavity with a decoction of walnut roots.
Did you know? In ancient Babylon, poor slaves were forbidden to use any nuts. Their owners were afraid that the slaves would wiser, as this product had a positive effect on the functioning of the brain.To maintain immunity in good condition, it is recommended to drink 1 cup of a special drink 2-3 times a day. To prepare, you must chop the nuts, pour them with warm water and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. After that, the drink is cooled and drunk.
In cosmetology apricot, amaranth, radish, broccoli, purslane and watermelon are also often used.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, oil from this nut is very popular. It contains a large amount of oleic acid, which can have a lot of positive effects from the use of the product:
- thanks to the antioxidant effect, toxins, excess fluid and free radicals are eliminated from the tissues;
- inhibits the aging process and preserves youth;
- quickly removes inflammation, promotes tissue repair;
- prevents the development of many skin ailments;
- provides the skin with proper nutrition, softens it;
- helps to strengthen nails, strengthen hair;
- increases the elasticity of the epithelium.
Almond oil perfectly cleanses the skin, so great for removing makeup. It is often used during the massage, as it does not irritate the skin, makes it elastic, perfectly eliminates cellulite and prevents the appearance of stretch marks. Almond oil is a component of many cosmetics for hair.Read also how to dry walnuts, and cook nutty jam.
Contraindications and harm
Unfortunately, despite the huge number of useful properties, it is necessary to carefully use earthen almonds. For example, it is contraindicated for people suffering from liver diseases and having excess weight, since chufa is very high in calories. It is also worth adhering to the following tips:
- more good is found in fresh almonds, but salted and roasted can cause health problems;
- often allergic to the product, therefore it is not recommended to use it immediately in large quantities.
Important! It is worth refusing earthen almonds if you have a rapid heartbeat.Chufa is a useful product that is used today in various fields. With regular, but moderate use of ground almonds can significantly improve health and improve immunity.
