Kunu facts for kids

Kunu (also known as kununzaki) is a super popular drink enjoyed all over Nigeria, especially in the northern parts of the country. It's usually made from grains like millet or sorghum. Sometimes, people even make it from maize!

Think of Kunu as a type of plant-based milk drink, similar to Horchata. The kind made from sorghum often looks milky and light-brown. But if it's made from millet or maize, it will be whitish. It's a refreshing and healthy drink that many Nigerians love.

How Kunu Zaki is Made

Making Kunu Zaki is a cool process that takes a couple of days. Here's how it generally works:

• First, the grain seeds are allowed to sprout a little. This is called germinating.
• Then, these sprouted seeds are soaked in water for a few days.
• Next, the soaked grains are blended with sweet potatoes and a bit of ginger or pepper. This makes a smooth paste.
• This paste is split into two parts. One part gets boiling water poured over it and is stirred until it becomes thick.
• The other part of the paste is then added to this thick mixture and stirred again.
• The whole mixture is left alone for a day or two. This allows the grain husks and other bits to settle at the bottom.
• Finally, the settled husks and other sediments are filtered out. The clear, delicious liquid is then bottled and ready to drink!
• This type of Kunu is called "kunu zaki" because it usually has sugar added to make it sweet.

Kunu Aya (Tiger Nut Drink)

Kunu Aya is another tasty version of Kunu, made specifically from tiger nuts. It's a creamy, sweet drink that's super refreshing, especially when it's cold.

Here's how you can make Kunu Aya:

Ingredients for Kunu Aya

• 2 cups of Tiger Nuts (you can use dried or fresh ones)
• 1 medium piece of Ginger
• 10 Dates (or fewer, depending on how sweet you like it)
• 1 Coconut (you'll need to crack it open and get the white flesh out)

Steps to Make Kunu Aya

• Step 1: If you're using dried tiger nuts, soak them in clean water overnight. This makes them soft and easy to blend.
• Step 2: Rinse the soaked tiger nuts well. Put them into a blender.
• Remove the seeds from the dates, wash them, and add them to the blender.
• Peel and dice your coconut flesh, then add it to the blender too.
• Add the peeled ginger. Pour in a little water or the coconut water, then blend everything until it's very smooth.
• Step 3: Get a clean cloth, like a cheesecloth or a pap cloth. Use it to strain the blended mixture into a bowl. This separates the smooth milk from the leftover bits.
• The first liquid you get will be thick. Put the leftover bits (called "chaff") back into the blender. Add a bit more water, blend again, and strain it. Do this until you've gotten all the milk out.
• Tip: Don't make the Kunu Aya too watery, or it won't taste as good!
• Step 4: Place your freshly made Kunu Aya in the refrigerator. Let it chill completely.
• Step 5: Serve your Kunu Aya cold and enjoy!

Kunu Tsamiya

Kunu Tsamiya is a special type of Kunu made from tsamiya, which is a local fruit. This drink is often served in Hausa communities during important celebrations. You might find it at naming ceremonies, weddings, or other big events.

Kunu can be made from different ingredients like "Aya" (tiger nuts), "Gero" (millet), "Dawa" (sorghum), and "Gyada" (groundnuts). It's a very common drink sold by vendors or served at many traditional Nigerian ceremonies, especially in the northern and north-central parts of the country.