Determination of selected physical properties of tiger nuts (Cyperus Esculentus)

The brown and yellow varieties of tiger nut seed were purchased from Uchi market Auchi, Edo State. Nigeria. They were prepared and taken to the laboratory to determine their physical properties. The moisture content was found to range from 10.1 to 28.6% (wb). The length, width, thickness, sphericity, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, surface area, volume, angle of repose and coefficient of friction were determined and the effect of moisture content on the physical properties of the seed was also determined. All properties studied were found to have a response to moisture content increase within the moisture content range studied. The seed volume and the seed surface area of tiger nut increased from 236.68 mm3 to 737.01 mm3 and 209.38 mm2 to 303.22 mm2respectively. Aspect ratio and sphericity of tiger nuts varied with increase in the moisture content. Angle of repose increased from 23o to 34o while static coefficient of friction increased from 0.15 to 2.24 (plywood), 0.15 to 0.1.59 (mild steel), 0.15 to 2.24 (glass).