Raw Buckwheat

Buckwheat – a Seed, a Grain or Both?

Buckwheat is a common food around the world, yet many people puzzle over the question, ‘is it a seed, a grain or both?’ The answer is that buckwheat is actually all three, in a way. It is an edible seed, but it is also a grain, like oats or corn, and it is processed into flour and other useful food products as well. It has been cultivated as a crop since ancient times in many parts of Asia and Europe. Today, buckwheat can be found in raw form, milled into flour and in several other forms, such as flakes, groats and bran.

Raw Buckwheat Production

Buckwheat is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and highly resilient. It is a triticale species, which is a hybrid of wheat, rye, and red fife. Buckwheat is notoriously drought tolerant, fast-growing and can be planted in sandy soils. This is why, over time, it has become a popular crop for countries and regions with limited water and arid climates.

Due to its nature, buckwheat is not subjected to fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. It is grown in open spaces, at a minimum required distance and not in high densities as in monoculture. This results in a truly healthy, natural product without any chemical traces or residues.

Once the buckwheat has been harvested, the next step is to use a special machine to separate the raw grains (the seeds) from the upper part of the plant. It is then laid out to dry for approximately two weeks in order to protect it from weather and reduce humidity. It is then stored in airtight containers at a controlled temperature of around 63 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it safe from mold.

Processing and Packaging of Raw Buckwheat

Once the raw buckwheat has been dried and stored, it is ready for further processing. Processing generally involves cracking the grains in specialized machines to separate the kernels from their hulls, known as dehulling. It is then milled into flour, sifted and graded according to type before being stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

The processed buckwheat is then packed in bags according to specifications. Depending on the grade of the flour, baking needs, and specific requests, the packaging can range from paper or fabric bags to larger burlap sacks or cartons. Buckwheat flour is often sold in 1, 5 or 10-pound bags. But it can also be bought in bulk from companies that specialize in packaging dry products.

Once the buckwheat is packed and sealed, it is ready for shipping. Buckwheat is usually shipped by sea, as is the case with most dry bulk products. However, it can also be shipped overland, using refrigerated trucks. Whatever the mode of transportation, it is essential to take all necessary precautions to ensure the buckwheat remains fresh and uncontaminated.

The Journey to the Dinner Plate

With the help of specialized supply chains and modern transportation, raw buckwheat can travel thousands of miles to reach its final destination—the dinner plate. Within the supply chain, the buckwheat must pass through different stages of processing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution, using cutting-edge technologies.

Once it has arrived at the store, the buckwheat is ready for sale. Customers can purchase the buckwheat in raw form, as well as in its milled form, including flour, groats, flakes and bran. For maximum freshness and nutrition, it is recommended to buy organic, non-GMO buckwheat from a reputable source.

Buckwheat in the Kitchen

No matter what form of buckwheat you choose, raw or cooked, it is sure to add flavor, texture and nutritional value to your dishes. Raw buckwheat has a nutty and mild flavor that is comparable to quinoa, millet and oats. It adds a delightful crunch to salads, granolas and other dishes. Ground buckwheat flour can be used to make pancakes, crepes, muffins and other baked goods. The possibilities with buckwheat are endless and its unique texture and flavor make it an ideal addition to meals.

Conclusion

It is easy to see why buckwheat has been traditionally used in many countries around the world and is still enjoyed today as a nutritious and delicious superfood. From its initial production, until it travels and arrives to the dinner plate, buckwheat’s journey is made possible by an intricate yet highly efficient supply chain and modern transportation technologies. This ensures that the consumer can enjoy the benefits of raw buckwheat with absolute peace of mind.