Buckwheat isn’t actually wheat at all—it’s a seed. Although buckwheat has fallen out of fashion in the west due to the rise of all-purpose white baking flours, buckwheat is still a common ingredient in many eastern diets, particularly in noodle dishes and alcohol production.
Buckwheat flour is a nutritious and gluten free cooking alternative that is ideal for baking. However, note that buckwheat has a stronger flavor profile than many other heirloom flours. Buckwheat flour can be a great way to produce baked goods with rich, complex flavors, such as pancakes, muffins, waffles, pancakes, or breads.