The tiger nut is the fruit of a 'pod' type plant. Known in history as an herbaceous plant to which various medicinal benefits have been attributed.

Recent scientific studies coordinated by the Foundation of Advanced Studies under patronage of the Consellería de Agricultura y Pesca indicate that some of these popular beliefs have a medical explanation (see Nutritional Benefits of the Orgeat).

The tiger nut can be consumed raw (preferably after soaking it in water) or drinking the liquid obtained after crushing it, macerating it and draining it.

In Valencia it is known as Xufa, in Cataluña as Xufla, in South America and as in South America as coquito, in England as Earth Almond or tiger nut, and in Muslim countries, where it comes from, as Haz-el-Aziz. The 'pod' of tiger nut (Cyperus Esculentus L.) has different shapes and sizes, the more frequent are round and elongated, traditionally known as "Llargueta and Ametlla".