Desserts · Nigeria

Nigerian Tiger Nut Milk (Kunun Aya)

Name: Nigerian Tiger Nut Milk (Kunun Aya)
Total time: 4334 min
Cuisine: Nigeria
Ingredients: 1 cup tiger nuts; 4 cups water; 2–3 dates, pitted (optional); 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, peeled; Sweetener of choice (e.g., honey or sugar), to taste

Tiger nut milk, locally known as kunun aya, is a refreshing traditional beverage commonly consumed in Northern Nigeria. It is made from blended tiger nuts and often sweetened with dates or other natural sweeteners. Kunun aya is popular during the hot season and is also served during festivities and social gatherings for its nourishing and energizing properties.

Published October 16, 2026

EST. TOTAL TIME3d

DIFFICULTYEasy

SERVESSee recipe

Time and difficulty are editorial estimates; allow extra time for your equipment and experience.

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What you’ll need

Tap an ingredient as you get it ready.

1 cup tiger nuts
4 cups water
2–3 dates, pitted (optional)
1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, peeled
Sweetener of choice (e.g., honey or sugar), to taste

Let’s make it

Step 1
Rinse and soak the tiger nuts in 2 cups of water for at least 24 hours to soften.
Step 2
Drain and blend the soaked tiger nuts with the dates and ginger, adding water as needed to form a smooth paste.
Step 3
Strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the chaff.
Step 4
Dilute the extracted milk with the remaining water to the desired consistency.
Step 5
Add your preferred sweetener to taste, and stir well.
Step 6
Serve chilled. Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 1–2 days.

Nigerian Tiger Nut Milk (Kunun Aya)

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

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