Healthy Food Database
Buckwheat is described as a grain but is in fact a seed from a fruit related to rhubarb. It is gluten free and therefore a wonderful alternative for people suffering from wheat intolerance and coeliac disease. It has been eaten for hundreds of years in the Far East.
Like so many other grains, buckwheat is available in various forms: Whole buckwheat, often referred to as groats can be used in cereals, buckwheat flour is used in a variety of baked products, including pancakes, breads and muffins, and the flour is also used to make Japanese soba (noodles). Buckwheat is thought to raise the body temperature and is therefore a good grain to eat in winter. The flour is a grey/brown colour.
Buckwheat is an excellent source of bioflavenoids; phytochemicals that act as powerful antioxidants in defence of free radicals. As such they play a role in defending the body against the threat of infection. Flavenoids also protect the body against disease by prolonging the activity of the unstable nutrient vitamin C. Studies show that buckwheat can also help lower blood glucose levels, high cholesterol and, with it's high levels of tryptophan, promotes a good night's sleep.
Category: Grain
In Season:
all year
To Buy:
Buckwheat can be bought whole and used like rice. Roasted (also called kasha), buckwheat noodles (soba) and buckwheat flour can all be purchased from health food stores.
To Store:
Store flour and grain in a cool, dark cupboard in an airtight container or in the fridge.
Tips & Tricks:
If you do suffer from a gluten allergy check the ingredients in the soba as some are mixed with wheat flour.
A serve is equivalent to 1 cup of cooked grain.
Cooking Tips:
Add three cups water to 1 cup buckwheat and cook for 30 minutes until tender. When cooking buckwheat noodles, boil in salted water for approx 5 minutes, checking regularly. Once cooked rinse in plenty of fresh, cold water to prevent them sticking together.
Nutrition per 1 Cup:
Monosaturated Fat , g:
0.4
Salicylates:
Safe/negligible amount
Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*
Anaemia
High Blood Cholesterol
* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.
Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.