Where does buckwheat come from?

In the world of grains, only a few possess a history as rich and diverse as buckwheat. From its ancient roots to its contemporary marvel, buckwheat has somehow made its way through a lot of different cultures and cuisines. Even today, this magical grain continues to fascinate and inspire. Buckwheat might seem just like another grain on the shelf, but it actually has a story to tell that will leave you hungry for more.

The story begins thousands of years ago in lands far, far away. Buckwheat made its debut in Asia, where its origin can be traced to around the 6th millennium BCE. It is believed to have originated in what is now known as Yunnan Province, situated in southwestern China. It was grown as a food crop back then, in ancient China, Korea and Japan and it quickly became an integral part of traditional dishes in Asian culture. For example, buckwheat is used to make (soba) noodles, a popular and nutritious dish there.

After its cultivation and dominance in Asia, buckwheat packed its bags and embarked on an exciting journey westward to Europe by the 15th century. Here, it didn’t take long for the grain to make itself feel at home in countries like The Netherlands or France.After its cultivation and dominance in Asia, buckwheat packed its bags and embarked on an exciting journey westward to Europe by the 15th century. Here, it didn’t take long for the grain to make itself feel at home in countries like The Netherlands or France.

In The Netherlands it became popular particularly in regions like Overijssel and Drenthe back in the Middle Ages. Dutch farmers quickly recognized its nutritional values and resilience and started cultivating it extensively to provide food for their families and communities. Buckwheat flour, for example, became a cornerstone of Dutch cuisine as it helped them in cooking buckwheat pancakes, often known as boekweitpannenkoeken. In addition to that, buckwheat found its way into various traditional Dutch dishes as porridges and baked goods and its versatility made it a valuable ingredient in their kitchen.

Today, although buckwheat may not enjoy the same level of popularity in the Netherlands as it did in past centuries, its influence endures within Dutch culinary heritage. Buckwheat pancakes continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Dutch families, still being served in homes and restaurants across the country.

Buckwheat pancakes not only hold a special place in Dutch cuisine, but also in the hearts of French. Here, they name it buckwheat crepes (galettes de sarrasin) and they have become a beloved staple in French cuisine. It is actually thought that the Dutch introduced buckwheat to Brittany, where it found its home despite the region’s less fertile soil and cold weather. Unlike traditional grains that demand optimal conditions, buckwheat thrived in Brittany’s challenging climate, making it the go-to crop for locals.

Nowadays, you can spot buckwheat crepes on many restaurants’ menus across France and they are typically stuffed with ham, cheese, and eggs.

However, buckwheat holds a significant place today in Eastern Europe, shaping the culinary and cultural landscapes of countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. From their childhood, children in these countries are introduced to the distinctive flavours and textures of buckwheat. Whether it's enjoying a warm bowl of buckwheat kasha for breakfast in Russia, savouring hearty buckwheat pierogi in Poland, or relishing traditional buckwheat dishes during family gatherings in Ukraine, buckwheat becomes a special puzzle piece in their daily routines. Moreover, it seems that Eastern Europeans have integrated buckwheat into more than just their cuisine, transforming it into a part of their tradition and resilience and proudly calling it a symbol of their cultural identity.

Fast forward to contemporaneity, global buckwheat production reached 2.2 million tonnes in 2022. Russia led the production, accounting for 55% of the world's total, followed by China with 23%, and Ukraine with 7%.

So, the next time you enjoy a stack of fluffy buckwheat pancakes or savour the nutty flavour of buckwheat porridge, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal, but you're also connecting with centuries of culinary heritage. Here's to buckwheat, a timeless grain that continues to captivate and inspire around the world!