Organic Buckwheat Groats

Buckwheat groats (upper right) are commonly used in porridge.

Buckwheat is a grain originally from Asia and Europe. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, and contains significant amounts of niacin, riboflavin and other vitamins. Organic buckwheat can be a healthy choice for people who are concerned about pesticides used in growing conventional grains. Does this Spark an idea?

Groats

Buckwheat is commonly sold in the form of groats -- hulled whole pieces of grain. Buckwheat groats offer more nutrition than buckwheat flour, especially refined types. They are difficult to chew and are often soaked and cooked to make kasha and other porridge-like foods.

Organic Standard

To be considered organic, buckwheat groats must be grown without conventional pesticides and fertilizers. They may not be genetically modified or grown using sewage sludge fertilizers. They must also be grown on land that has been free of these substances for several years.

Uses

Organic buckwheat groats may be used as food for both humans and livestock. According to Purdue University, most buckwheat consumed by humans is eaten in the form of flour, rather than groats, but groats are used in porridge, soup and other foods. Buckwheat groats are also fed to animals, including cattle.

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