Buckwheat in flower in September SW France. near La Rochelle. Honey bee on flowers.

Honey bee on flowers. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is related to sorrel, knotweed, and rhubarb. Because its seeds are eaten and are rich in complex carbohydrates, it is referred to as a pseudo-cereal. The cultivation of buckwheat grain declined sharply in the 20th century with the adoption of nitrogen fertilizer that increased the productivity of other staples. Imported from middle east into Europe XII century.

Used for: Swedish blinis, Chinese & Japanese noodles, savory pancakes (Brittany).

Used as forage.

Leaves contain "rutine" rutin used in medicine treating vascular disease.

Since 2001 it is used in the making of a new wisky Eddu made in Finistere - Plomelin.

Buckwheat is cultivated in poor soil and

French production is mainly in Brittany, Cher and Limousin.

Big worldwide producers are China, Russia and Ukraine.