n Energizing and nutritious, buckwheat is available throughout the year and can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge.
n Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat, neither a cereal nor grain, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a suitable substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens.
Buckwheat flowers are very fragrant and are attractive to bees that use them to produce a special, strongly flavored, dark honey.
n Buckwheat has a unique triangular shape. Buckwheat plants grow fast and produce seeds in about six weeks.
n Buckwheat seeds are rich in starch, proteins, minerals like iron, zinc and selenium, antioxidants and some aromatic compounds such as salicylaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, etc. Buckwheat noodles play an important role in Japanese cuisines while buckwheat groats are common in western Asia and eastern Europe.
Buckwheat can be used as rice substitute and buckwheat porridge is a favorite dish for many.
Here are 10 reasons to include buckwheat into your diet: