Buckwheat is the fruit seed of a plant originally from Asia. The triangular seeds from buckwheat can be used to make flour after being removed from the husk. Buckwheat flour has a strong, distinctive flavor and is often mixed with other flours to lend its distinctive taste to many baked goods. Buckwheat is also very attractive for bees which can produce a special kind of honey, dark colored and strong flavored.

Buckwheat groats are the hulled grains of buckwheat; they are nutritious but hard to chew, so they are often soaked and cooked. Roasted buckwheat groats are also known as kasha or kashi, especially in the United States.

Nutrient Contents: A half-cup serving of buckwheat groats

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 3g
• Magnesium: 51
• Iron: 0.8mg

Benefits:

• Buckwheat is rich in B vitamins as well as phosphorus, magnesium, iron, folate, zinc, copper and manganese.
• Buckwheat is a rich source of flavonoids.
• Buckwheat is high protein; the protein found in buckwheat contains the eight essential amino acids.
• Buckwheat is high in fiber. A single cup of cooked buckwheat groats contains over 4 grams of dietary fiber.
• Buckwheat is a good source of Alpha-Linolenic Acid, which is one of the two essential fatty acid that is important for good health.
• Buckwheat is a gluten-free alternative to grains.
• Buckwheat has a relaxing effect due to it high magnesium content.
• Buckwheat lowers glucose levels and is beneficial for managing diabetes.
• Buckwheat has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
• Buckwheat has anti-tumor and tonic effects.

Culinary Uses of Buckwheat:

• Buckwheat flour is use by Americans to make pancakes. The Russians use buckwheat flour to make blini, a type of thin pancake.
• Buckwheat Flour is also mixed with whole wheat flour to make breads, muffins and biscuits.
• Japanese use buckwheat to make a type of noodle.
• The hulled roasted seeds, commonly called groats, can be boiled to make cereal, pudding and kasha a traditional porridge made from buckwheat groats is a popular food in Russia and the Middle East.
• Sprouted buckwheat seeds are nutritious and tasty addition to salads, stir fried foods, and other dishes.