Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a rapidly growing pseudocereal, a plant that produces seeds used similarly to grains, yet is botanically related to rhubarb and sorrel. This ancient crop is valued for its dual functionality, serving as a restorative cover crop and a nutritious, gluten-free food source. Sourcing the correct type of buckwheat seed is paramount, as the intended use—planting or eating—determines the necessary quality, processing, and viability.
Differentiating Buckwheat Seed Types
The primary difference in buckwheat seed is whether the buyer intends to sow it or consume it. Seeds purchased for planting, whether for cover cropping or grain production, must be unhulled and possess a high germination rate, meaning they are viable and capable of sprouting. These planting seeds are often referred to as “Common Buckwheat” or specialized varieties like ‘Koto’ or ‘Manor,’ and are typically untreated for use in organic growing systems.
Buckwheat intended for human consumption undergoes processing to remove the hard outer hull, yielding the edible portion known as a groat. Groats are used for milling into flour, roasting into kasha, or cooking as a whole grain. Groats purchased for cooking are often no longer viable for planting due to the hulling process and cleaning standards necessary for food safety.
Primary Sources for Purchasing Buckwheat Seed
The most suitable purchasing channel depends on the quantity required and the intended application. For large-scale agricultural use, such as planting a cover crop, specialized seed producers and local agricultural suppliers are the most economical sources. These vendors often sell in bulk quantities, such as 10-pound or 50-pound bags, and can provide variety-specific seed, like ‘Manor’ or ‘Koto,’ which may be required for contract growing.
For the home gardener requiring smaller quantities of planting seed, online specialty retailers and mail-order seed houses are excellent options. These sources typically offer pre-packaged quantities, sometimes as little as one pound, that are certified organic and suitable for smaller garden plots. While the cost per pound is often higher than from bulk suppliers, they offer convenience and a greater variety of organic or heritage seed options.
Buckwheat groats and flour for culinary purposes are most easily found through online health food retailers or in the bulk food section of local grocery stores. If the goal is to purchase unhulled, food-grade seed for sprouting or microgreens, a certified organic online retailer specializing in whole foods is the most reliable source. Local garden centers and nurseries may also stock small packets of common buckwheat seed, which is the best option for immediate, small-scale cover crop planting.
Key Considerations Before Making a Purchase
Before buying, verify the specific certification status and quality metrics of the seed. For planting, the most important factor is seed viability, which can be maintained for two to five years when stored under optimal, cool, and dry conditions. Look for a recent germination test date to ensure the seed will sprout reliably, and confirm it is untreated, meaning no chemical fungicides have been applied.
The terms “certified seed” and “certified organic” refer to different quality standards. Certified seed for planting focuses on genetic purity and a guaranteed germination rate, often accompanied by a blue tag. Certified organic refers to the method of production, guaranteeing the seed was grown without prohibited substances. This status is particularly important for culinary use to ensure the food is free from pesticide residues.
For long-term storage of harvested grain or seed, maintaining a moisture content between 13% and 16% is necessary to prevent mold growth and maintain milling quality. Buckwheat seed should be stored in a cool environment, ideally below 50°F, and protected from light.