History
This species is native to the Mediterranean Basin (southern Europe, Northern Africa, Middle East). It is cultivated primarily in Spain.
Cultivated for 3000 years in ancient Egypt, nut grass seeds were introduced to Europe via Spain in the 8th century by the Arabs. Nut grass roots have been found in Egyptian tombs of the 12th dynasty (2000 BC). Edible nut grass (also known as coco-grass, purple nut sedge, red nut sedge) is a member of the Cyperaceae (Papyrus) family.
This species loves moisture and grows along waterways. This edible plant is not cultivated on a large scale. Its yellow rhizomes form small tubers which are yellowish brown at maturity and the shape and size of a hazelnut. These are what are used, whether dry or raw. An excellent oil can also be made from nut grass roots. In the Valencia region, they are used to prepare a drink known in Spain as “horchata de chufa”. This small rhizome primarily from Mali, is known as a “sweet pea” or “tchoncon” in Côte d'Ivoire. It is generally eaten fresh or dried as a treat, like peanuts or coconut, and a delicious milk can also be extracted from it. It is commonly found in local markets.
Properties
Nut grass strengthens the papillary dermis’s deformable web structure, which is responsible for the skin’s elasticity and deformability. It gives spring to the skin and limits the appearance of wrinkles.
It acts on key factors involved in the appearance of wrinkles. It protects and restores:
- the oxytalan microfibrillary network which acts as a “buffer” against dermal ridges.
- functional type XII and type XVI collagens, specific to the papillary dermis and responsible for deformability and extensibility
- type I and type VI collagen matrices, responsible for strength, cohesion and flexibility
Nut grass is found in our Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream with Onaphyline for its spring and anti-wrinkle effect.
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