Buckwheat

what is Buckwheat?

Buckwheat, also known as common buckwheat or Japanese buckwheat, is a type of plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly used as a grain-like food, but is a pseudocereal, meaning that it is not a true cereal like wheat, oats, or barley.

Buckwheat is native to Central and Eastern Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a hardy plant that can grow in poor soil and cold climates.

Buckwheat is often used in gluten-free and grain-free diets, as it does not contain gluten and is relatively low in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese.

Buckwheat can be used in a variety of dishes, such as porridge, noodles, pancakes, and pieces of bread. It is also used in traditional dishes such as kasha, a roasted buckwheat dish popular in Eastern Europe. Buckwheat flour can be used in baking and is often combined with other gluten-free flour such as almond or coconut flour.

Buckwheat is a nutritious and versatile food that is enjoyed by many people around the world.

Buckwheat Production in the World

The global production of Buckwheat plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, Russia is the top producer, contributing 1,149,067 tonnes, which accounts for 52.14% of the total global production. China ranks second, producing 504,266 tonnes, representing 22.88% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Ukraine, United States, and Kazakhstan, with production levels of 210,720, 86,680, and 83,491 tonnes, respectively. Moldova has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 3 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Buckwheat reached approximately 2,204,018 tonnes in 2023.


Top 10 Countries by Buckwheat Production in 2023


Countries Ranked by Buckwheat Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025
RankCountryProduction (Tonnes)Acreage (Hectare)Yield
1
Russia Flag
Russia
1,149,0671,037,1101,108
2
China Flag
China
504,266624,246808
3
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine
210,720147,9001,425
4
United States Flag
United States
86,68083,4651,039
5
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan
83,491114,484729
6
Brazil Flag
Brazil
64,61147,4901,361
7
Japan Flag
Japan
35,50066,700532
8
Tanzania Flag
Tanzania
22,19121,2181,046
9
Belarus Flag
Belarus
16,93715,5931,086
10
Nepal Flag
Nepal
15,08311,8571,272
11
Canada Flag
Canada
11,71513,493868
12
South Korea Flag
South Korea
1,6781,857904
13
Bhutan Flag
Bhutan
9669481,018
14
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
7474981,500
15
South Africa Flag
South Africa
223553403
16
Georgia Flag
Georgia
1151061,091
17
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan
16111,455
18
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan
914680
19
Moldova Flag
Moldova
32150

Cultivation of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions.

Here are the general steps for cultivating buckwheat:

  1. Soil preparation: Buckwheat can grow in poor soil, but it still benefits from soil preparation. The soil should be tilled to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, and any weeds or debris should be removed.
  2. Planting: Buckwheat is typically planted in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 inches, and spaced about 6 inches apart. Buckwheat can also be broadcast over the soil surface and raked in lightly.
  3. Watering: Buckwheat requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Fertilization: Buckwheat does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of nitrogen-based fertilizer at planting time.
  5. Harvesting: Buckwheat is typically ready for harvest 10 to 12 weeks after planting. The seeds will turn brown and dry out when they are ready. The plants should be cut down and left to dry for a few days, after which the seeds can be removed from the hulls.

Buckwheat is a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types. It is often used as a rotation crop to improve soil health and break up pest and disease cycles in other crops.

Nutritional Information of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a nutrient-dense food that provides a range of important vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.

Here is the nutritional information for 1 cup (170g) of cooked buckwheat groats:

  • Calories: 155
  • Protein: 5.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.5g
  • Fiber: 4.5g
  • Fat: 0.6g
  • Sugars: 0.2g
  • Calcium: 10.2mg
  • Iron: 1.3mg
  • Magnesium: 86.7mg
  • Phosphorus: 205mg
  • Potassium: 148mg
  • Zinc: 1.3mg
  • Copper: 0.2mg
  • Manganese: 1.1mg
  • Selenium: 8.8mcg
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 0.2mg
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.1mg
  • Niacin: 1.5mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.2mg
  • Folate: 17.0mcg
  • Vitamin E: 0.1mg
  • Vitamin K: 1.4mcg

Note that these values can vary depending on the specific type of buckwheat and how it is prepared. Buckwheat flour and noodles, for example, may have different nutritional profiles than whole buckwheat groats. Additionally, adding other ingredients to buckwheat dishes can impact their overall nutritional content.

Here are some of the key nutrients found in buckwheat:

  1. Carbohydrates: Buckwheat is relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other grains, making it a good choice for people following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
  2. Protein: Buckwheat is a good source of plant-based protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to build and repair tissues.
  3. Fiber: Buckwheat is high in dietary fiber, which can promote healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and support cardiovascular health.
  4. Vitamins: Buckwheat is a good source of several important vitamins, including vitamin B6, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid.
  5. Minerals: Buckwheat is a rich source of several important minerals, including magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese.
  6. Antioxidants: Buckwheat contains a range of powerful antioxidants, including rutin, quercetin, and catechin, which can help protect the body against cellular damage and inflammation.

Overall, buckwheat is a nutritious and versatile food that can provide a range of important health benefits when included as part of a balanced diet.

Structure of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae, and its structure can be divided into several parts:

  1. Roots: Buckwheat has a taproot system that can reach a depth of up to 1.5 meters in the soil. The roots help the plant absorb nutrients and water from the soil.
  2. Stem: The stem of buckwheat is erect and can grow up to 1 meter in height. It is typically green or reddish-brown and has nodes where the leaves and branches emerge.
  3. Leaves: Buckwheat leaves are triangular or heart-shaped, and alternate along the stem. They have a smooth texture and are typically dark green.
  4. Flowers: Buckwheat flowers are small and white or pink. They grow in clusters on long, slender stems called inflorescences.
  5. Seeds: Buckwheat seeds are small, triangular-shaped, and dark brown or black. They are enclosed in a tough outer layer called a hull, which must be removed before the seeds can be eaten or processed.

Overall, buckwheat has a relatively simple structure compared to other cereal grains such as wheat or rice, but it is a hardy plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions.

Uses of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the common uses of Buckwheat:

  1. Flour: Buckwheat flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It can be used in baking to make pancakes, bread, muffins, and other baked goods.
  2. Groats: Buckwheat groats are the whole grain form of buckwheat and can be cooked like rice or used in salads, soups, and stews.
  3. Noodles: Buckwheat noodles, also known as soba noodles, are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. They can be used in soups, stir-fries, or served cold with dipping sauce.
  4. Breakfast cereal: Buckwheat can be cooked like oatmeal and served as a hot breakfast cereal. It can be topped with fruit, nuts, and honey for added flavor.
  5. Snacks: Buckwheat can be roasted and eaten as a crunchy snack. It can also be used as a base for granola bars or other snack bars.

Overall, buckwheat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a great addition to any pantry.

Uses of Buckwheat in Beverage

Buckwheat is not a very common ingredient in beverages, but it can be used to make a few different types of drinks.

Here are some examples:

  1. Buckwheat tea: Buckwheat tea is a popular drink in Japan and Korea, where it is known as soba cha or memil-cha, respectively. The tea is made by roasting buckwheat groats and steeping them in hot water. It has a nutty flavor and is often consumed as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee or tea.
  2. Smoothies: Buckwheat groats can be added to smoothies to add fiber, protein, and other nutrients. You can blend them with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and other ingredients to make a nutritious and filling beverage.
  3. Milk alternative: Buckwheat can be used to make a dairy-free milk alternative that is rich in nutrients. To make buckwheat milk, soak buckwheat groats in water overnight, then blend them with fresh water and strain out the solids. The resulting milk can be used in recipes or enjoyed on its own.

In recent times, buckwheat has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional grains in the production of gluten-free beer. Despite being a pseudocereal and not a true cereal, buckwheat can be used in a similar way to barley to create malt that forms the foundation of a mash capable of brewing beer that is free of gliadin or hordein (collectively known as gluten), thereby making it an ideal option for individuals with celiac disease or sensitivity to certain glycoproteins.