Fagopyrum esculentum Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)

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Fagopyrum esculentum
Buckwheat
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The Fagopyrum esculentum plant species is found in C. Asia. An occasional casual in Britain. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Buckwheat. Some home gardeners know the variety as F. sagittatum. F. vulgare. Polygonum fagopyrum. - correct name?

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fagopyrum esculentum
Common Name:  Buckwheat
Family:  Polygonaceae
Author:  Moench.

Known Hazards:  This plant has caused photosensitivity in some people, only the dehusked grain is considered to be safe.

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Waste ground as an escape from cultivation[17]. Its original habitat is obscure.

Edible Uses: 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[K]. 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, breads etc or be used as a thickening agent in soups etc[46, 183]. Rich in vitamin B6[160]. An excellent beer can be brewed from the grain[244].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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