Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

Physical Characteristics

Fagopyrum esculentum is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Probably originating in China, the plant is cultivated in many temperate areas where it sometimes escapes and is found wild.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Rutin Leaves - raw or cooked like spinach[4 , 183 , K ]. Not that wonderful raw, they improve somewhat with cooking[K ]. The leaves are rich in rutin[171 ] (see below for more details) and so are a very healthy addition to the diet[K ]. Seed - raw or cooked. A nutty flavour, though it has a somewhat gritty texture that is not universally liked[K ]. It can be cooked like rice[299 ]. The seed can be soaked overnight in warm water then sprouted for a few days and added to salads[183 ]. It can also be ground into a powder and used as a cereal[2 , 4 , 9 ], when it can be made into pancakes, noodles, bread etc or be used as a thickening agent in soups etc[46 , 183 ]. It is popular for use in mixtures with wheat, barley or rye flour to improve the taste and nutritional value of bread and other foodstuffs. Up to 30% of buckwheat flour may be mixed in the wheat dough for baking bread[299 ]. Due to the absence of gluten, buckwheat is suitable for the diet of people with coeliac disease[299 ]. Rich in vitamin B6[160 ]. Excellent beer can be brewed from the grain[244 ]. Fresh leaves and inflorescences are used for the industrial extraction of rutin, which is applied to strengthen the inner lining of blood vessels (however, it is rather the related species Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn., which is commonly grown for rutin production). Rutin is also industrially used as a natural pigment, antioxidant, stabilizer, food preserving and absorber of UV light.

Medicinal Uses

Acrid Astringent Eczema Galactogogue Vasodilator Buckwheat is a bitter but pleasant tasting herb that is frequently used medicinally because the leaves are a good source of rutin[238]. Rutin is useful in the treatment of a wide range of circulatory problems, it dilates the blood vessels, reduces capillary permeability and lowers blood pressure[238, 254]. The leaves and shoots of flowering plants are acrid, astringent and vasodilator[4, 141, 165]. It is used internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, gout, varicose veins, chilblains, radiation damage etc[4, 141, 165]. It is best used in conjunction with vitamin C since this aids absorption[254]. Often combined with lime flowers (Tilia species), it is a specific treatment for haemorrhage into the retina[254]. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested as the plant begins to flower and are dried for later use[238]. They should be stored in the dark because the active ingredients rapidly degrade in the light[238]. Some caution should be exercised in the use of this herb because it has been known to cause light-sensitive dermatitis[238]. A poultice made from the seeds has been used for restoring the flow of milk in nursing mothers[4]. An infusion of the herb has been used in the treatment of erysipelas (an acute infectious skin disease)[4, 244]. A homeopathic remedy has been made from the leaves[9]. It is used in the treatment of eczema and liver disorders[9].

Known Hazards

Buckwheat seed is considered to be one of the most important food allergens. It also contains compounds that can cause irritating skin disorders (‘fagopyrism’) mainly in sheep and pigs and occasionally in humans, especially in cases where there is heavy consumption and also exposure to sunlight[299 ]. Fagopyrism has also been observed in humans after the consumption of buckwheat honey. It may also affect cattle when fed pure buckwheat silage[299 ]. The plant has caused photosensitivity in some people, only the dehusked grain is considered to be safe.