Buckwheat belongs to a group of foods commonly called pseudocereals.

Pseudocereals are seeds that are consumed as cereal grains but don't grow on grasses. Other common pseudocereals include quinoa and amaranth.

Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is thus gluten-free.

It's used in buckwheat tea or processed into groats, flour, and noodles. The groats, used in much the same way as rice, are the main ingredient in many traditional European and Asian dishes.

Buckwheat has become popular as a health food due to its high mineral and antioxidant content. Its benefits may include improved blood sugar control.

Great as a gluten-free flour when milled