There are countless varieties of buckwheat - so many that it is absolutely impossible to summarize them in one guide. Each country in which buckwheat is grown has its own varieties, which are often typical for the respective region. The buckwheat species can be better distinguished, especially the real buckwheat and the Tatar buckwheat.

Real buckwheat is widespread in our country

Each country has its own variety of buckwheat

Buckwheat is common in many countries of Eurasia, as well as in East Africa. In the various regions of the world there are sometimes very different conditions in terms of weather and location - so it is not surprising that the respective varieties are not completely the same.

Here are some examples of the varieties from different countries:

  • Darja in Slovenia
  • (Carinthian) Hadn, Billy, Bambi and Pyra in Austria
  • Hruszowska in Poland
  • La Harpe in France

Which buckwheat variety is the best?

This question can not be answered generally. In general, however, it is advisable to give preference to varieties with a large thousand grain mass and, if possible, a certain late sowing tolerance.

On the other hand, you should rather avoid varieties bred for summer cover crop use - they are not suitable for grain production in the main crop position.

Note: There are no special varieties for your (own) garden.

The main buckwheat species

It is much easier to classify and name the buckwheat species than the buckwheat varieties - especially since in this country only the real buckwheat (bot. Fagopyrum esculentum) and the Tatar buckwheat (bot. Fagopyrum tataricum) are significant.

Both species belong to the plant genus buckwheat (bot. Fagopyrum) in the knotweed family (bot. Polygonaceae). The main distinguishing feature is the leaves: In Tatar buckwheat, these are usually wider than they are long. In addition, the color of the stalks of Tartar buckwheat at fruiting time is green, while that of real buckwheat is red.

There are also differences in terms of the ingredients: Unlike real buckwheat, Tatar buckwheat does not contain salicylaldehyde, but it does contain naphthalene. Both substances are noticeable above all in terms of smell.

Historical background information on buckwheat

Buckwheat originally comes from Central Asia, especially Mongolia. From there the Tartars and Saracens are said to have brought it to Europe via Islamic countries.

In Germany, buckwheat has reportedly been grown since the 13th century. At that time, it was primarily used as a stopgap on boggy and sandy soils. In addition, it was often used on moorland and as a pioneer plant after slash and burn.

Category:

Vegetable garden