What is Buckwheat?

May 20, 2020 Honest to Goodness

Buckwheat is considered a 'pseudo-grain.' Naturally gluten-free and nutrient rich, buckwheat has a multitude of health benefits. Learn more about this versatile super seed below and how to incorporate it in your daily diet.

Despite its name, buckwheat contains zero wheat and is botanically a seed! It is a nutritional powerhouse with a mild nutty flavour and is highly versatile - you can use buckwheat in both sweet and savoury dishes!

TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BUCKWHEAT

1. It's packed full of minerals and vitamins! Buckwheat is a rich source of as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, folate, and vitamin B6

2. Naturally Gluten-free Though it can be used in the same way as whole grains such as wheat and barley, buckwheat is naturally free from gluten which makes it a great substitute for people with wheat sensitivities

3. Low GI Buckwheat has a low-to-medium glycaemic index, giving it a moderating effect on blood sugar levels. This makes buckwheat a great choice for those who are looking to control their blood sugar in their diet.

4. Plant Based Protein Just 100g of buckwheat contains 11.7 grams of plant-based protein and 12 different amino acids making a quality source of plant based protein for those on vegetarian diets.

5. High in Fibre Buckwheat is rich in dietary fibre, particularly insoluble fibre which is known to be beneficial to gut health and easier on the body to digest.

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WHAT ARE BUCKINIS?

Buckinis refer to activated buckwheat that has been long soaked and slowly dehydrated at low temperatures, releasing the bioavailability of its vitamins and minerals. Unlike hulled buckwheat, activated buckwheat does not require any additional cooking! These little morsels of goodness are packed full of protein, fibre and mineral and have a delicious crunchy texture and nutty flavour. They make a wonderful base for a cereal or muesli and are a tasty and nutritious topper for salads, desserts, smoothie bowls and much more.

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HOW IS BUCKWHEAT GROWN?

Buckwheat is a crop native to East Asia and has been cultivated in China for more than 2000 years! This makes buckwheat an ancient 'grain' despite its recent rise to fame. Although often referred to as a grain, buckwheat, like quinoa and amaranth, is actually a seed or 'pseudo-grain'.

Buckwheats seeds (also known as 'groats') grow on small shrubs and are 3D triangular in shape with a black hull. Hulled buckwheat has had the outer black layer removed, the resulting grain being yellowish in colour.