Buckwheat is not a type of wheat, it is not even a member of the grass family, and is therefore not a type of grain or cereal. It is in the knotweed (smartweed) family and is considered a pseudocereal.
NameThe "wheat" part of buckwheat refers to how kasha can be used much like wheat. The "buck" part of the word referrers to Middle Dutch for beech (boek) because of the triangular seeds that resemble the beech nut.
Buckwheat is known as kasha in Eastern-Europe.
Types
There are several types of buckwheat, but the type most often consumed by humans is Fagopyrum esculentum, or common buckwheat.
This is a nutritious food and a great addition to a gluten-free diet.
Tolerance to Buckwheat
Some people have difficulty digesting buckwheat. Make sure it is well cooked, and do not eat to much at once.
Food Uses
Whole kasha (husk removed) can be cooked up, much like rice, and served as the carbohydrate portion of a meal.
The flour is a great addition to pancakes. Beware that many pancake recipes use wheat as well.
Soba is a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat.
Caution: Many types of soba contain wheat. It can also mean any kind of thin noodle in Japanese.
Wheat-free Soba: Some types of sorba (e.g. Juuwari and Towari) are made from 100% buckwheat, and are safe.
Be aware that pizzoccheri, a type of Italian noodle, is made with 20% wheat flour, and is unsafe for a gluten free diet, even though it is made mostly with kasha.
Buckwheat honey is very dark and flavorful, with a strong taste.
How to Cook Kasha
It is a good idea to rinse it in a sieve before cooking.
Cook with one part buckwheat and two parts water, with a dash of salt to enhance taste.
Bring to a boil, simmer in a covered pot for 30 minutes.
Gluten-Free Beer
Buckwheat can be used in the same way as wheat or barley in beer making. It is becoming a popular ingredient in gluten free beer and wheat free beer.
Health
The rutin in kasha can strengthen capillary walls, which is beneficial to people with high blood pressure or chronic venous insufficiency.
The D-chiro-inositol in buckwheat is an important deficiency in Type II diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Non-Food Uses
Buckwheat hulls can be used as a filling for furniture. This is a popular filling for hypoallergenic pillows, especially for those with asthma.
