The Basics on Buckwheat

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2005
The Basics on Buckwheat
3
Sat, 09-15-2007 - 10:38am

The Basics on Buckwheat


Despite its name, buckwheat is not really wheat, nor is it any other grain; it's actually the fruit of a plant related to sorrel and rhubarb. Nevertheless, because of its grain-like characteristics, this fiber-rich food is categorized as a whole grain on the South Beach Diet®, so you can enjoy buckwheat beginning in Phase 2. Compared to other "grains," buckwheat is a source of quality protein since it contains eight essential amino acids — proteins that your body needs to help repair tissue and build cells. It's also a powerful source of certain minerals, especially magnesium, which helps regulate blood-sugar levels and promotes a healthy blood pressure.


Buying
Buckwheat can be bought in health food stores either as whole groats (raw kernels with the shells removed), as flour, or as kasha (roasted kernels that are ground into granules). You may also be able to find kasha in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store.

Storing
Loose buckwheat products should be stored in a tightly covered jar or sealed plastic bag. If you live in a warm climate, store your buckwheat in the refrigerator or freezer. Buckwheat can last for one year if stored properly.

Eating
Use buckwheat flour in combination with whole-wheat flour to make tasty pancakes. Or cook kasha or whole buckwheat and serve as an alternative to brown rice or other whole-grain side dishes.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 09-17-2007 - 6:49pm
I've been buying buckwheat pancake mix from the health food section for a while now.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2005
Tue, 09-18-2007 - 7:27am
Good idea Aggie! My DD is recently eating ww pata, brown rice, and wild rice. I think I'll make the buckwheat pancake switch on her too. She didn't really notice (or care about) the other changes. Now, if only I could get her to eat ww bread instead of potato bread.....
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Avatar for dana828
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 09-18-2007 - 9:48am
My kids love the blueberry buckwheat pancakes from one of the SBD cookbooks (I think the yellow one?) We make a doube batch and freeze them. Sometimes I'll substitute mashed bananas for the blueberries, or Sam's triple-berry blend. SO much healthier than other pancakes!
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