Buckwheat, or edible buckwheat, or common buckwheat- a type of herbaceous plant of the buckwheat genus, a cereal crop. Buckwheat is made from seed buckwheat ( kernel) - whole grains (buckwheat, buckwheat), done(crushed grain with a broken structure), Smolensk grain(highly crushed grains), buckwheat flour, as well as medications.
Buckwheat is native to Northern India, where it is called “black rice.” Wild forms of the plant are concentrated on the western spurs of the Himalayas. Buckwheat was introduced into cultivation more than 5 thousand years ago. In the 15th century BC. e. it penetrated into China, Korea and Japan, then into the countries Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus and only then to Europe (apparently, with Tatar-Mongol invasion, that’s why it is also called the Tatar plant, Tatarka). In France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal it was once called “Arab grain”, in Italy and Greece itself - Turkish, and in Germany - simply pagan grain. The Slavs began to call it buckwheat because it was brought to them from Byzantium in the 7th century. According to another version, it was during many years- cultivated mainly by Greek monks at monasteries.
Flowering buckwheat
In many European countries it is called “beech wheat” because the seeds are similar in shape to beech nuts. After the plants have flowered, they bear small triangular seeds that ripen in September - October. They have a triangular shape, light green color and sizes from 5 to 7 mm in length and 3-6 mm in thickness. The fruit of buckwheat is a triangular nut. The fruits ripen very unevenly: the lower, ripe ones easily break off and fall off, while the top is still covered with flowers. Buckwheat is a late crop. In Russia, the harvest begins in late August - early September.
Buckwheat has two main types - ordinary And Tatar. The Tatar is smaller and thicker-skinned. The common one is divided into winged and wingless. Common buckwheat(buckwheat, buckwheat, buckwheat, Greek wheat) - bread and honey plant, the seeds of which are used as food for humans and partly for animals (pigs, horses, etc.). Tartary buckwheat- grows wild in Siberia and is sown to obtain green food. Also, its biomass in the flowering phase is crushed and incorporated into the soil as fertilizer. The yield of buckwheat in Russia is about 8-10 centners per hectare, which is almost two times lower than, for example, wheat. The maximum yield is 30 t/ha (3 t/ha or 300 t/sq.km).
Buckwheat field
Buckwheat contains a lot of iron, as well as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, zinc, fluorine, molybdenum, cobalt, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B9 (folic acid), PP, vitamin E. The flowering aerial part of buckwheat contains rutin, fagopyrin, protecholic, gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids; seeds - starch, protein, sugar, fatty oil, organic acids (maleic, menolenic, oxalic, malic and citric), riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron. In terms of lysine and methionine content, buckwheat proteins are superior to all cereal crops; It is characterized by high digestibility - up to 78%. Carbohydrates in buckwheat, as in other cereals (pearl barley, millet), are about 60%; existing carbohydrates are absorbed by the body for a long time, so after eating buckwheat you can feel full long time. When stored for a long time, buckwheat will not go rancid, like other grains, and will not mold under high humidity.
Buckwheat is the main honey plant for many regions of Russia with light sandy loam soil. IN favorable years from 1 hectare of crops in areas with normal moisture, up to 80 kg of honey are obtained. Buckwheat flowers produce a lot of nectar and greenish-yellow pollen. Abundant nectar secretion is observed in warm and humid weather in the first half of the day (in hot and dry weather, bees stop taking nectar). Buckwheat honey is dark, brown with a reddish tint, aromatic, spicy. Buckwheat honey is used for anemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skin diseases.
Buckwheat honey
Buckwheat fruit - common food product. There are several varieties of cereals: kernels - whole grains, large and small ones - chopped grains, Smolensk groats - crushed kernels. Cereals that go on sale, undergone hydro- and heat treatment (from black to light brown), are used for preparing buckwheat porridges, casseroles, puddings, cutlets, and soups. Buckwheat grain is ground into flour, but due to the lack of gluten, it is unsuitable for baking bread, and it is used for pancakes, pancakes, flatbreads, and dumplings. Uncooked cereals (green-grassy color) are much less often used for preparing porridges, are less common on sale and are less known to consumers in the region former USSR.
Grechaniki - lean buckwheat cutlets
Noodles are obtained from a mixture of buckwheat and wheat (or other) flour, pasta, which are traditional for Japanese (soba) and Alpine Italian (pizzoccheri) cuisines. In France, traditional Breton pancakes (French galette bretonne) are made from buckwheat flour. Traditional dish Eastern European Jews eat “varnishkes porridge” - buckwheat porridge mixed with noodles. Widely used as a side dish in the countries of the former USSR and very little in European countries, with the exception of the above examples. IN recent years Some increase in the consumption of buckwheat products in the West is associated with its use for dietary purposes.
Salty Breton pancakes with egg, cheese and ham
In China, unroasted buckwheat grains are used to make tea, which is believed to lower blood pressure. Buckwheat and flour have a long shelf life and are very suitable for storage in army warehouses, since the fats they contain are resistant to oxidation.
Buckwheat tea
Tops flowering plants serve as raw materials for the production of rutin, used in medical practice for the treatment of diseases accompanied by increased permeability and fragility of blood capillaries. There is a lot of rutin and fagopyrin in the flowers and upper young leaves of buckwheat, a decoction or infusion of which is indicated for hemorrhagic diathesis, hypertension, measles, scarlet fever, atherosclerosis, radiation sickness and other serious health problems. Buckwheat is used for varicose veins veins, hemorrhoids, rheumatic diseases, arthritis and as a prevention of sclerosis. The high content of lecithin determines its use in diseases of the liver, vascular and nervous systems. Capable of raising dopamine levels (a neurohormone that affects motor activity and motivation).
In folk medicine, a decoction of the plant is recommended for colds, and also as an expectorant for dry coughs. For medicinal purposes, flowers and leaves are used, harvested in June - July, as well as buckwheat seeds - as they ripen. In old manuals buckwheat porridge Recommended for severe blood loss and colds. Buckwheat is rich in folic acid, which stimulates hematopoiesis and increases the body's resistance to the effects of ionizing radiation and other adverse factors. external environment. The significant amounts of potassium and iron it contains prevent the absorption of their radioactive isotopes. For diabetics, this cereal replaces the consumption of potatoes and bread. Poultices and ointments made from buckwheat flour are used for skin diseases (boils, eczema). Fresh leaves are applied to wounds and abscesses. Flour and powdered leaves are used as powders for children.
Many people know what this grain looks like, but not everyone has seen how buckwheat grows. Blooming buckwheat fields- this is a wonderful sight. For people choosing a healthy lifestyle, buckwheat should be one of their staple foods.
Description and composition of buckwheat
Buckwheat can be heat-treated and raw or green. Unlike fried cereals, green buckwheat can sprout. Buckwheat can be stored for a long time. It is obtained after threshing and peeling the grains.
The cereal contains:
- 60% carbohydrates (starch and sugar);
- well-digestible proteins (lots of lysine and methionine);
- fixed oils;
- organic acids;
- vitamins (riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, tocopherol);
- mineral salts (Fe, P, Ca, I, Zn, Co).
Buckwheat is used in cooking for preparing various porridges, casseroles, buckwheat flour, and salads with sprouted grains.
How buckwheat grows and what it looks like during flowering
When buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) begins to bloom, it looks very beautiful.
Flowers can be white or pink color, they bloom in July.
Then small triangular seeds are set, which ripen unevenly, some may fall off.
Buckwheat is an excellent honey plant. In summer, bees come to the flowering buckwheat fields to collect nectar and make very fragrant, dark brown honey. For baking, this honey is a real find; it makes golden cakes for honey cakes and gingerbread cookies perfectly.
There is a variety of buckwheat with green flowers called “Zelenotsvetkovaya” or “Malikovskaya”, bred in the 80s of the last century. He's different high yield, resistance to grain shedding from the stem.
Buckwheat growing areas in Russia
The most popular type of cereal, quick-cooking kernels, is made in buckwheat-growing areas. The seeds are steamed and separated from the shell, after which they darken. In this form, farmers send grain to processors throughout the country.
There are large buckwheat fields in Bashkiria, Tatarstan, Altai, Stavropol, Primorsky and Krasnodar territories.
Cereals are grown in the vicinity of Orenburg, Orel, Lipetsk, Tula, Kursk, Volgograd, Saratov and Chelyabinsk.
Buckwheat and sow thistle are herbaceous honey plants, widespread almost everywhere. Both plants are valuable honey plants, have a long flowering period and are distinguished by their widest habitat.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat - annual plant from the buckwheat family, a valuable cereal crop. It is cultivated almost everywhere in Russia: in its European part, in Siberia, in the Far East.
- The stem is straight, having up to 8-10 branches, reaching a height of 1–1.2 meters. At the beginning of the growing season, the stem is green in color; closer to ripening it acquires a red tint.
- The leaves are simple, alternately arranged, heart-shaped.
- The flowers are small, regular, white or white-pink, with five stamens of different lengths.
- The fruits are achenes with three sides, light brown or brown.
Features of flowering and honey production of buckwheat
Buckwheat blooms from late June to August, the flowering duration is on average 30–35 days. During this period, up to a thousand flowers are formed on one plant; the lifespan of one flower is about a day. The most active flowering occurs at a temperature of 25–28 degrees and sufficient humidity (in conditions insufficient humidity The nectar thickens, the percentage of sugar in it reaches 60–70%, which makes it difficult for bees to collect). Flowers are most often visited by bees in the morning, before 11–12 o’clock.
The honey productivity of buckwheat depends on its variety, as well as climatic conditions, and ranges from 50 to 200 kg per hectare (the average in Russia is 80 kg/ha). Buckwheat, due to its long flowering period, provides a reliable food supply for bees and promotes the formation of bee colonies.
Buckwheat honey
Buckwheat honey is known for its wonderful tart aroma and rich, bitter taste. Its color varies from dark yellow to dark red-brown, its texture is liquid and viscous. When sugared, it becomes lighter and acquires a lard-like texture with small or large white crystals.
Buckwheat honey has a composition rich in beneficial microelements, which includes:
- calcium;
- zinc;
- phosphorus;
- copper.
Compared to light varieties of honey, buckwheat has a composition richer in amino acids and iron.
Features of growing buckwheat
In the case when buckwheat is cultivated as a honey plant, it is recommended to sow it in 2-3 stages with an interval of 10-15 days in order to extend the honey-bearing period. The best predecessors buckwheat - winter or legumes. Buckwheat should be sown after the soil warms up to 12–15 degrees. Wide-row sowing will ensure the highest crop yield. For 1 hectare of plantation you will need from 50 to 80 kg of seeds.
Buckwheat belongs to moisture-loving crops and does not tolerate drought well. Grows in well-drained, moist soils, greatest harvest produces on neutral or slightly acidic soils. Heavy soils with a high lime content are not recommended for sowing buckwheat.
Field sow thistle
Field sow thistle (yellow) - annual or perennial family Asteraceae (Asteraceae). Field sow thistle is often classified as a weed, since the plant is very unpretentious, grows on any type of soil and has an extremely wide distribution area.
The stem of thistle is straight, single or branched, ranging in height from 50 to 170 cm. Covered with glandular hairs or small spines. The upper part of the sow thistle stem does not have leaves.
Leaves - can be entire, pinnately lobed or pinnately dissected. The edges are jagged and crowned with small spines.
The flowers are small, bright yellow, reed-shaped, collected in small baskets.
The fruit is a light brown achene, pubescent with glandular hairs.
Features of flowering and honey productivity of thistle
Field sow thistle has a long flowering period - it begins at the end of June and lasts until autumn. Nectar is produced by flowers all day long, so sow thistle plantations are actively visited by bees. 
The honey productivity of thistle can reach 380 kg of product per hectare of plantations, which allows the plant to be classified as a highly productive honey plant.
Thistle honey
Thistle honey is first-class and has a pleasant mild taste and aroma. Its color ranges from almost white to light yellow, the product quickly crystallizes, acquiring a pleasant creamy fine-grained texture.
Thistle honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and also has a rich chemical composition, including vitamins and microelements necessary for humans. It is recommended to be consumed during the recovery period after illnesses, as well as to strengthen the immune system and increase vitality body. The beneficial properties of the product also include:
- the ability to strengthen the walls and increase the elasticity of blood vessels;
- reduce blood pressure and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- the ability to prevent hypovitaminosis;
- the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing.
Growing thistle
Field sow thistle is not cultivated, as it is a very aggressive weed. It self-seeds and very successfully takes over possible territories, interfering with the growth of other crops. It reproduces both vegetatively and by seeds, and is very active, especially on fertile black soil. The plant is unpretentious, is not afraid of frost and lack of moisture thanks to its powerful, well-developed root system - it can penetrate into the soil to a depth of 4 meters.
Field sow thistle grows on all types of soils. You can use thistle plantations as honey plants by placing the hives in close proximity to them.
Medicinal properties of thistle thistle
IN medicinal purposes The entire above-ground part of the plant is used. The green mass contains substances such as:
In traditional and folk medicine, sow thistle is used very widely:
- As a choleretic agent for gastrointestinal diseases;
- As a general tonic for decreased body tone;
- For neuroses and anxiety as a sedative;
- Externally to stimulate tissue regeneration, relieve inflammation and speed up wound healing;
- For the treatment of headaches, combating insomnia;
- As an anthelmintic.
Buckwheat is a popular and favorite plant in many countries, which not only feeds a person, but also gives him valuable medicines. It is absolutely unpretentious, feels great in warm and cool climates, but originated from the southern regions and was first brought to us from Greece. Since this is a real honey plant, during the flowering period it is better not to approach the plant: countless bees gather around it and fly in search of fragrant nectar. These same buckwheat flowers are considered especially useful, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have become a topic for discussion among admirers traditional medicine. Let's talk about this on the www.site.
Why are buckwheat flowers valued, what are their medicinal properties?
The inflorescences of the plant are pale pink or cream in color. They bloom in mid-summer, which attracts insects. In place of the faded buds, triangular-shaped seeds eventually appear, which are ready for collection by October. Honey, which is obtained from buckwheat, has a reddish or brown tint, incredibly aromatic and healthy.
The flowers of the plant contain large number useful substances. The plant is especially valued for fagopyrin and rutin, which are indispensable for anemia, vascular fragility, atherosclerosis, and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Rutin strengthens capillaries well, reducing their fragility. In addition, it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is necessary for the body during infectious diseases. In combination with ascorbic acid, which is also present in flowers, rutin forms a powerful natural antibiotic.
Useful properties it doesn't end there. Buckwheat flowers with a high content of rutin and urutin are useful for scarlet fever, typhus, measles, as well as a number of other diseases that increase the risk of damage to blood vessels. As prophylactic young inflorescences can be used for poisoning by radioactive components and substances containing arsenic. It is beneficial for the body to take a drink from them after X-ray irradiation.
Infusions made from flowers are very effective for coughs, as they cause an expectorant effect. Therefore, they can be drunk for bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases.
The ripening inflorescences contain many vitamins, in particular P, which are very necessary for normal blood circulation, for strong blood vessels and veins.
Other diseases and ailments that benefit from the use of the flowering parts of buckwheat include:
Glomerulonephritis;
Retinal hemorrhage;
Septic endocarditis;
Rheumatism;
Hemorrhagic diathesis;
Radiation sickness.
Are buckwheat flowers dangerous? Are there any contraindications to their use?
Contraindications for the use of these parts of the plant are increased blood clotting and diseases gastrointestinal tract.
Despite the fact that buckwheat itself is considered a product that is beneficial for digestion and dietary, other parts should be consumed with caution. In addition, the stems should not be used as they contain poisonous and dangerous substances. IN fresh The leaves may also be unsafe - they should be various recipes must be dried.
Medicinal recipes from buckwheat flowers
1. To prepare an effective expectorant or drink to strengthen blood vessels, you need to take note of the following recipe. Pour two tablespoons of crushed and dried flowers into 250 milliliters of boiling water. Leave to steep for one hour, then strain. Drink a third of a glass twice a day.
2. For sclerosis and during the treatment of leukemia, the following drink is useful. Pour 40 grams of dry raw material into 1 liter of boiling water. Infuse, strain, take 100 ml morning and evening.
3. Tea made from the same parts of the plant will help you get rid of colds quickly. We take dry inflorescences and water in a ratio of 1:10. Place on low heat, bring to a boil and quickly remove from heat. Let the tea cool, strain and drink while it is warm several times a day. Give this drink to children under 10 years of age with caution, after consulting a doctor. For adults, this tea is also useful for regularly increasing blood pressure.
4. For leukemia (radiation sickness), you can use the following recipe. One tablespoon of dry raw materials is poured with two glasses of boiling water. Then the container is placed in a water bath for 15-20 minutes, then it needs to cool for 40-45 minutes, then strain. The resulting product should be drunk 150 ml before meals at least three times a day.
The fragrant flowering parts can be used in recipes and in combination with other medicinal plants. For example, for atherosclerosis, you can prepare the following collection:
Two tablespoons fresh leaves blackberries;
3 tablespoons of dandelions without root parts;
A tablespoon of nettle leaves;
Two tablespoons of buckwheat flowers.
Such recipes can be used for the diseases described in combination with the main treatment prescribed by the doctor, and taking into account contraindications. They can be an additional therapy that speeds up the healing process. Reception folk remedies tell the doctor.
Buckwheat is a well-known honey plant herbaceous plant. Its seeds are used to make kernels (cereals), Smolensk groats, buckwheat and flour. It is also used in medical preparations.
Its seeds are used to make kernels (cereals), Smolensk groats, buckwheat and flour.
Description and composition
Buckwheat belongs to the Buckwheat family. Its homeland is considered East Asia. It was there that about 4 thousand years ago a wild relative, Tatarian buckwheat, was domesticated. Its origin from the Tatar lands partly explains its other name - Tatarka, which is rarely used. In Russia, the plant began to be cultivated in the 13th century. It started its journey with Far East, gradually covering the entire territory. In our country, this culture is especially loved. Currently, almost half of all buckwheat grown in the world is consumed here. It is also grown in other countries. Buckwheat grows in Ukraine, China and Belarus. The leader in the cultivation of this crop in Russia is the Altai Territory (46%).
Buckwheat is quite tall plant(up to 1 m) with a well-branching straight stem. Has a very strong, powerful and branched root system. The leaves are triangular, pointed at the ends. At the bottom they are located on short petioles, and at the top they sit right next to the stem. Buckwheat flowers are small, white or pink, and collected in a small raceme. The flowers have a very pleasant spicy aroma that attracts many bees. Hives are often installed near the fields where buckwheat grows, since it is a very honey-bearing crop. The picture of how buckwheat blooms is well worth looking at. This is a very beautiful sight. Fields blooming buckwheat represent a fragrant and delicate sea of all shades of pink. It begins to bloom in June, the grains ripen by the end of August. The buckwheat fruit is enclosed in a leathery, dense shell dark brown which must be removed before use.
Medicinal herbalist
Buckwheat belongs to the Buckwheat family. Its homeland is considered to be East Asia Buckwheat and buckwheat are completely different concepts. The difference is about the same as between an apple tree and an apple. Buckwheat is a plant that bears fruit. Buckwheat is the cereal itself (whole grain) obtained from grains.
How does buckwheat grow? But it does not grow everywhere and is considered a rather capricious crop. She needs a moderate temperature (not higher than 30°C), well-warmed soil and sufficient lighting. The plant is afraid of frost, so it is sown later than everyone else, when it is excluded low temperatures. It’s very good when buckwheat fields are surrounded by trees (no strong winds), and there is a river, lake or pond nearby. In this variant, buckwheat consistently produces high yields. Buckwheat has one more feature: it displaces weeds. She doesn't need weeding.
Gallery: buckwheat plant (25 photos)
Useful properties of buckwheat (video)
Composition and beneficial properties
The beneficial properties of buckwheat are determined by its unique chemical composition. Buckwheat is a very useful cereal crop. Chemical composition is:
- carbohydrates – up to 65%;
- protein – up to 15%;
- fats – 1.5-2.8%;
- fiber – 13%;
- ash – 2.2%;
- acids: malic, linolenic, oxalic, citric, etc.;
- amino acids: arginine, threonine, lysine;
- trace elements: iron, iodine, zinc, phosphorus, cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, potassium;
- vitamins: E, P, group B.
The flowering tops of the plant contain thiamine, rutin, riboflavin, fagopyrin ( binder) And useful acids(tall oil, coffee, chlorogenic).
Description and medicinal properties of butcher's broom
Buckwheat is distinguished by very high digestibility (up to 75%). Cereals are stored for a very long time, even in conditions of high humidity.
The plant is afraid of frost, so it is sown later than others, when low temperatures are excluded. Not only the fruits are collected, but also the grass itself, from which various medicinal preparations are prepared. It has the following medicinal properties:
- reduces fragility and permeability of vascular tissues;
- helps with dry cough (expectorant effect);
- for skin diseases (eczema, open wounds, inflammation);
- has astringent and tanning effects (hemorrhoids, varicose veins, arthritis);
- normalizes blood pressure.
Buckwheat is recommended for use when diabetes mellitus, diseases of the liver and cardiovascular system. It speeds up metabolism, normalizes blood circulation and relieves spasms. This culture is indispensable for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.
Almost all parts of the plant are used. Even the husk and shell of the fruit has a medicinal effect and is used. Pillows for insomnia are made from it.
Poultices and ointments made from buckwheat are even used to treat oncological malignancies. Fresh leaves are applied to wounds and abscesses.
There are also some contraindications. People with increased blood clotting and certain disorders of the digestive system are not advised to consume buckwheat.
