Are you looking for a healthy and gluten-free vegan alternative to rice or pasta or just curious to know more about this versatile grain? Look no further! Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is actually a seed that is high in protein and fibre.
What is Buckwheat and Where Does it Come From?
Buckwheat is a gluten-free grain alternative. It is believed to have originated in the high-altitude regions of Central Asia, including present-day China and Tibet. From there, it spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, where it became a popular staple crop in the Middle Ages. Today, buckwheat is grown in many parts of the world, including Russia, China, Ukraine, France, and the United States. In the US, the largest producer of buckwheat is North Dakota, where the cool, dry climate is well-suited to its cultivation. Buckwheat is a hardy crop that can grow in poor soil conditions, making it a valuable crop for subsistence farmers in many parts of the world. Its popularity has also grown in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and versatility in the kitchen.
Buckwheat is consumed in many parts of the world and is a staple ingredient in the cuisines of several countries. In Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, buckwheat is a common grain used in porridges, soups, and side dishes. In these countries, it is often referred to as “kasha.” In Japan, buckwheat noodles, or soba noodles, are a popular dish that is often served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Buckwheat flour is also used in Japanese cuisine to make soba noodles and various baked goods. In France, buckwheat flour is used to make savoury crepes, or galettes, which are a specialty of the Brittany region. Buckwheat is also eaten in the United States, where it is used to make pancakes, bread, and other baked goods. Overall, buckwheat is a versatile ingredient that can be found in many different types of dishes in cuisines around the world.
Buckwheat is a versatile ingredient that is widely available in most shops.
Types of Buckwheat Available and Buckwheat Products
One of the most common types of buckwheat is buckwheat flour, which is often used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. Buckwheat flour is often used in baking, particularly in the preparation of pancakes, noodles, and bread.
Another type of buckwheat that can be found in shops is buckwheat groats. These are whole grains that have been hulled and cleaned, making them ready to cook. Buckwheat groats are a nutritious and tasty addition to salads, stews, and soups. They are also used in the preparation of traditional dishes such as kasha, a popular Eastern European porridge. With its numerous health benefits and delicious nutty flavour.
Buckwheat flakes are another type of buckwheat product that can be found in shops. Buckwheat flakes are made by steaming and rolling whole buckwheat groats, creating flattened flakes that are similar in texture to rolled oats. Buckwheat flakes are often used as a gluten-free alternative to oatmeal in porridge or as a cereal topping. They can also be used in baking recipes, such as cookies or granola bars. They have a nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch, making them a tasty addition to any meal or snack.
Buckwheat sprouts are another nutritional product that can be found in some shops. Buckwheat sprouts are the young shoots that grow from soaked buckwheat groats. They are a crunchy and nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Buckwheat hulls are the outer shell of the buckwheat grain. Buckwheat hulls are often used as a filling for pillows, cushioning, and other household items. They are valued for their hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking properties, making them a popular choice for people with allergies or who live in humid climates.
A popular buckwheat product is buckwheat tea, also known as soba-cha. Buckwheat tea is made from roasted buckwheat kernels and has a nutty, earthy flavour. It is a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea and is often consumed for its health benefits, including improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
The tea typically contains only one ingredient, which is the roasted buckwheat kernels. However, some variations of buckwheat tea may contain additional ingredients such as green tea, barley, or other herbs and spices. These additional ingredients are often added to enhance the flavour and aroma of the tea, or to provide additional health benefits. However, it’s important to note that the exact ingredients can vary depending on the brand and the recipe used to make the tea.
Buckwheat noodles, also known as soba noodles, are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Buckwheat noodles (check the ingredients as many are made with a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour so are not gluten free) are commonly served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth.
Overall, buckwheat is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be found in a variety of different products in shops, catering to different tastes and needs.
Buckwheat Nutritional Value
It’s worth noting that the exact nutritional values can vary depending on factors such as the variety of buckwheat, how it was processed, and how it is prepared. However, in general, buckwheat is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease.
The approximate nutritional values of buckwheat per 100 grams:
- Calories: 343
- Protein: 13.3 g
- Fat: 3.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.5 g
- Fibre: 10 g
- Sugars: 0.9 g
- Calcium: 18 mg
- Iron: 2.2 mg
- Magnesium: 231 mg
- Phosphorus: 347 mg
- Potassium: 460 mg
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Zinc: 2 mg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2.5 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg
Health Benefit Claims for Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a nutrient-rich food that has been associated with several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefit claims of buckwheat, along with references to studies that support these claims:
- Improves heart health: Buckwheat has been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease (1, 2)
- Supports healthy digestion: Buckwheat is high in fibre, which can help to improve digestive health and prevent constipation
- Helps regulate blood sugar: Buckwheat has a low glycaemic index, which means it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes or those trying to manage blood sugar levels (4)
- May reduce inflammation: Buckwheat contains compounds such as rutin and quercetin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases (5, 6)
- Provides antioxidant support: Buckwheat is a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease (7).
References:
1. Saikia, P., & Deka, B. C. (2021). Buckwheat as a Source of Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds: A Review. Food Reviews International, 1-24.
2. Li, X., Cai, X., Ma, X., Jing, L., Gu, J., Bao, L., & Li, G. (2019). Buckwheat protein lowers serum cholesterol and increases the size of LDL-C in rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(1), 116-123.
3. Poutanen, K., Flander, L., & Katina, K. (2019). Sourdough and cereal fermentation in a nutritional perspective. Food Microbiology, 79, 108-125.
4. Matsumoto, K., Ishikawa, S., Kitamura, Y., Saito, E., & Katano, Y. (2007). Buckwheat seed extract improves lipid metabolism and reduces oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 53(4), 335-342.
5. Jin, Y. H., Li, X. Y., Li, X. L., Li, Y. X., Li, J., & Ma, F. Y. (2016). Rutin exhibits hepatoprotective effects in a rat model of chronic mild stress-induced liver injury. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 470(4), 790-796.
6. Kim, J. H., Lee, J., Kim, Y. J., & Cho, J. (2015). Buckwheat extract improves lipid metabolism in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson’s disease model mice. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(7), 764-771.
7. Li, X., Cai, X., Ma, X., Jing, L., Gu, J., Bao, L., & Li, G. (2019). Buckwheat protein lowers serum cholesterol and increases the size of LDL-C in rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(1), 116-123.
How do You Cook Buckwheat?
Buckwheat flour will be used as an ingredient in a recipe, for cakes, bread or pancakes, for example.
Cooking buckwheat groats (the whole buckwheat grains) is a little more like cooking rice or other grains. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Rinse the Buckwheat
Before cooking, rinse the buckwheat thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Place the buckwheat in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear - Soak the Buckwheat (Optional)
While not necessary, soaking the buckwheat for a few hours before cooking can help improve its texture and digestibility. Simply place the rinsed buckwheat in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight - Cook the Buckwheat
To cook the buckwheat, use a ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of buckwheat. Bring the water to a boil in a medium-sized pot, then add the buckwheat. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the buckwheat simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the buckwheat is tender - Fluff and Serve
Once the buckwheat is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the buckwheat and separate any clumps. Serve hot as a side dish or use it as a base for salads or stir-fries - Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover cooked buckwheat, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cooked buckwheat for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove with a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Buckwheat Recipes to Try
These are some of my favourite gluten-free vegan buckwheat recipes I recommend you try plus others that I would love to try.
Buckwheat Pancakes. These are a great crepe-style pancake recipe. You can make these sweet or savoury and serve for breakfast, dinner or dessert!
Blueberry Polenta Muffins. The perfect breakfast muffin. Light, zesty and uplifting.
Gluten-Free Vegan Nutty Bread. My favourite GFV bread recipe that is made all the better by buckwheat flour.
Sesame Noodles with Shitake Mushrooms and Pak Choi is wonderful. Buckwheat soba noodles form the backbone of this nutritious recipe that I love to serve for dinner.
The Simple Veganisata’s Buckwheat Banana Bread looks amazing. It is on my list of recipes to try.
This Buckwheat Cake from A Sweet Alternative looks very rich and perfect for a celebration.