Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Polygonaceae (Dock)
Also in this family:
Alpine Bistort, Amphibious Bistort, Argentine Dock, Black Bindweed, Broad-leaved Dock, Clustered Dock, Common Bistort, Common Knotgrass, Common Sorrel, Copse Bindweed, Cornfield Knotgrass, Curled Dock, Equal-leaved Knotgrass, Fiddle Dock, French Sorrel, Garden Rhubarb, Giant Knotweed, Golden Dock, Greek Dock, Himalayan Knotweed, Iceland Purslane, Japanese Knotweed, Least Water-pepper, Lesser Knotweed, Marsh Dock, Monk's Rhubarb, Mountain Sorrel, Northern Dock, Northern Knotgrass, Pale Persicaria, Patience Dock, Pink Knotweed, Ray's Knotgrass, Red Bistort, Redleg, Russian Vine, Scottish Dock, Sea Knotgrass, Sheep Sorrel, Shore Dock, Tasteless Water-pepper, Water Dock, Water-pepper, Wood Dock
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, fields, woodland.
Common Buckwheat produces attractive, five-petalled flowers that range in colour from white to pale pink, often tinged with red at the base. These are arranged in loose clusters (cymes) and bloom in summer, typically from June to August. Although small, the flowers are nectar-rich and highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, playing an important role in honey production.
Fruit:
The fruit is a three-sided, hard, brown or black achene (a dry, one-seeded fruit), resembling a tiny pyramid. These achenes are harvested and processed as a grain substitute, despite not being a true cereal — buckwheat is a pseudocereal, more closely related to sorrel and rhubarb than to grasses. The seeds are gluten-free and valued for their nutritional content, especially for protein and minerals.
Leaves:
Buckwheat leaves are variable but generally heart-shaped (cordate) at the base of the plant, becoming more arrow-shaped or triangular higher up the stems. The foliage is soft, green, and alternately arranged. Stems are often reddish and hollow. A botanical feature to note is the presence of ochrea — a thin, papery sheath at the leaf base — typical of the Polygonaceae family.
Fragrance:
The flowers emit a light, sweet fragrance that is especially noticeable in mass plantings and contributes to the flavour profile of buckwheat honey. However, the plant overall is not strongly scented. The fragrance of the crushed leaves and stems is mild and slightly herbal but generally unremarkable.
Other Names:
Beechwheat, Buckwheat, Garden Buckwheat.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Fagopyrum esculentum, also known as common buckwheat or beechwheat, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to Asia and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds and leaves. F. esculentum is an annual herb that grows to a height of up to 1 meter. It has triangular, dark green leaves and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is grown as a grain crop and is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber. It is also used as a cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weeds. Buckwheat is commonly used in a variety of dishes, including pancakes, noodles, and porridge, and is also used to make flour and other food products.
Blog
Common Buckwheat: A Nutritious and Versatile Grain
Buckwheat, also known as Fagopyrum esculentum, is a highly nutritious grain that is widely grown and consumed across the world. Despite its name, it is not related to wheat and is gluten-free, making it a popular alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
One of the main advantages of buckwheat is its versatility. It can be used to make a variety of dishes, including porridge, pancakes, noodles, and even flour for baking. The grain has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that makes it a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as Japanese soba noodles and Russian blini pancakes.
In terms of nutrition, buckwheat is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains all eight essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Additionally, it is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Buckwheat is also easy to grow and is a hardy crop that can be grown in a variety of conditions. It is often used as a cover crop in rotations, as it is known to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
Another great aspect of buckwheat is its versatility in cooking. It can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. Boiled buckwheat is often used as a side dish or used to make porridge. Roasted buckwheat, known as kasha, is a staple in many countries and is often served as a side dish or used to make stuffing. Buckwheat flour is popular in gluten-free baking, as it has a slightly nutty flavor and a dense texture that works well in recipes for cakes, muffins, and breads.
Buckwheat is also an eco-friendly crop, as it is highly resistant to pests and diseases and requires minimal pesticide use. It also helps to improve soil health and fertility, making it an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture.
Another benefit of buckwheat is its versatility in terms of cultural cuisine. In Asian countries, such as Japan, buckwheat is used to make soba noodles, while in Eastern Europe, it is often used to make blini, a type of pancake. In Western countries, buckwheat flour is often used to make gluten-free pancakes, waffles, and crepes.
In addition to its culinary uses, buckwheat has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, and some studies suggest that it may help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
In conclusion, common buckwheat is a highly nutritious and versatile grain that offers a range of health benefits and cooking possibilities. Its eco-friendliness and cultural versatility make it a great addition to any diet.
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