BUCKWHEAT GROATS

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum) is not a grain but an annual related to rhubarb. Hulled Buckwheat is cream colored and becomes brown only when toasted. The groats are small and angular shaped. When roasted, this grain is called "Kasha" (Kah-sha). Buckwheat is rich in amino acids and considered the "heartiest" grain, although it is not as easy to digest as other grains. Buckwheat groats have a walnut cocoa flavor. Buckwheat is native to Central Asia and was introduced to Europe at the end of the middle ages. Buckwheat Groats have been an important food source, in a variety of forms, since the 10th Century BC.