Have you ever wondered what exactly buckwheat is?
You might be surprised to learn that, despite its name, buckwheat has absolutely nothing to do with wheat!
Here at Doodle's Sugarbush, we grow buckwheat right here on the farm—not for harvesting as a food crop, but as a beautiful cover crop and a favorite food source for wildlife. Its pretty white flowers make quite a sight when the fields are in bloom, and the wildlife seem to appreciate our efforts!
So, What Exactly Is Buckwheat?
Buckwheat isn't a grain and it isn't a type of wheat. It's actually the seed of a flowering plant in the Polygonaceae family, making it a relative of plants you might recognize, including rhubarb and sorrel.
The seeds have a distinctive triangular shape and are hulled and processed into things like groats, flour, noodles—and, of course, delicious pancake mixes.
The name "buckwheat" is thought to come from the seeds' resemblance to small beech nuts, combined with the fact that the seeds are commonly used much like wheat.
And buckwheat isn't some new food trend. People have been enjoying it around the world for thousands of years. It was once a much more common crop before wheat and corn became dominant crops during the 20th century.
A Flavor All Its Own
Buckwheat has a distinctive nutty, earthy flavor that sets it apart from traditional wheat-based flours. Depending on how it's prepared, the flavor can range from mild and grainy to more robust and toasty.
That's part of what makes buckwheat so delicious in pancakes. It gives them a hearty, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with something sweet—especially pure Michigan maple syrup!
Our Maple Buckwheat Pancake Mix
We think buckwheat and maple syrup make a pretty perfect pair.
Our Maple Buckwheat Pancake Mix brings together the hearty, distinctive flavor of buckwheat with the sweetness of maple for a breakfast that's a little different from your everyday pancake.
And there's something we especially love about it: the buckwheat growing in our fields may be there for the wildlife, but its story doesn't end there. Buckwheat has been enjoyed by people for generations, and we're happy to give this old-fashioned favorite a place at our breakfast table.
So the next time you see a field of buckwheat in bloom, remember—you're not looking at wheat at all. You're looking at a fascinating flowering plant with a long history, a unique flavor, and some pretty happy wildlife!
And when those pancakes hit your plate, don't forget the maple syrup. We may be a little biased, but we think that's the best part. 🥞🍁
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