Tigernuts have a very long history.

In fact, some historians believe this product was used by ancient Egyptians as bait for fshing at the edges of Nile River. So if the Tigernut has been used since ancient times, can they be one of the best Carp baits in history?
Tigernuts are also known as chufas, and come from several places in Europe and Africa. Although called nuts, they are actually tubers and grow underground in a similar way to potatoes. Tigernut cultivation requires sandy soil and a mild climate. As such, the geography of Valencia, situated on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, makes it the ideal location for producing some of the highest quality Tigernuts known to man.

The Tigernuts grown in Valencia have an intense, sweet favour, smooth skin, and uniform shape. They are planted during April and May and must be irrigated every week until they are harvested in Novemberand December. Normally sold in a dry state, they can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months like this. Tigers come in a variety of sizes as whole nuts, from mini ones the size of one pea,up to the very largest measuring around an inch in length.
There are also black Tigernuts, these are larger in size and have a higher content  of natural sugars. Fished on a hair, Tigers can be fshed as single bait, or in multiples, with two or three nuts being the most popular. Many anglers use a cork ball to pop the baits up off the bottom.

Why are Tigers so good?

Tigers contain high levels of iron and potassium, but not sodium – a major component of salt.
This could be the reason why Tigernuts are so good on waters that have seen large quantities of fishmeal boilies. The high quantities of salt normally found in fshmeal baits could account for why a salt-free, high-sugar alternative, like a Tiger, is so popular with carp.

Preparing Tigernuts

The preparation of whole Tigernuts is very simple to do, and is also essential. Soak the required amount of nuts in lake or tap water for 24 hours.
Next, transfer the Tigernuts and liquid to a pan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Your Tigers are now ready to use.

Flavouring Tigers

If you want to favour the Tigers it is the best to start the favouring at the soaking stage of preparation. I would suggest that you add 2 ml of Betalin per kilo of dry Tigers.Once cooked, I hand-pick a few nuts for hook-baits and put them in a small pot of neat Betalin. They won’t go off, and this adds massive
attraction, especially during winter sessions where small amounts of feed are required.

Tips for having the maximum success with Tigernuts

1. Put 1 Kg of Tigernuts in an hermetic closing pot with 250 grams of white sugar.
2. Add 2-3 litres of boiling water to melt the sugar.
3. Mix well and let the produc cool down.
4. Once the water has cooled add 25 ml of an aroma with a base of glycerol (i.e. Pineapple)
5. Introduce in the mix 5 ml of your favourite sweetener.
6. Shake it energetically with the purpose of diluting the attractants and hermetically close the pot.
7. Leave the Tigernuts soaking for 3-4 days. You will notice that a thick flm will appear in on the surface of the liquid. This will mean that fermentation process is taking place because of thereaction of the sugars with the water.
8. Change that “soup” to a bigger pot and heat up to boiling point then leave for 30 minutes. Add some water if necessary, as the Tigernuts must be covered at all times.
9. Again, put the Tigernuts and the boiling water into a hermetically sealed container. You will see some grains stay afoat; take them and save them in another container as they will be useful for your future presentations.
10. Leave the Tigers with their juice in the closed container for 3-4 days. The process of fermentation is still taking place and the sugars still have to penetrate the Tigernuts. The water eventually becomes a kind of gel that carp just adore, Tigernuts at this point are at their height in attraction and should be used within a week after you have prepared them.
11. You can also prepare Tigers in larger quantities and then freeze the product. Once defrosted the gel will reappear after a few hours and they are ready for use!

Article by Daniel Carrión
TIGERNUTS TRADERS, S.L
Valencia, Spain
32 lb