Nuts

Shelled

Shelled tiger nut is kernel stock of the sweet tuber of Cyperus esculentus, also called chufa—not a true tree nut already removed from the hard shell for immediate cooking. Convenience is high; shelf life is shorter than sound in-shell lots if storage is warm. Taste target: sweet, coconut-almond-like, and crunchy when dried. Ready for cooking such as Spanish horchata, West African snacks, gluten-free flours, and dairy-free milks. Industrial shelling already applied the species pathway: soak dried tubers for drinks; mill for flour; not shelled like tree nuts. Storage discipline: dried chufa keeps cool and dry; watch for moisture spoilage. Botanically a tuber—important for allergy communication even when sold beside nuts. Allergen: not a tree nut botanically but label for cross-contact and personal allergy histories. In comparison, a sweet tuber that plays nutty in drinks and baking. Check packs for shell shards before serving children. Vacuum packs help but still deserve cool storage after opening.