Approximately 70% of total Canadian production is in Manitoba, with the balance in Ontario and Quebec.

Varieties (From Manitoba Trade & Investment)

Due to our market-oriented production of buckwheat, industry participants have made on-going efforts to develop suitable varieties for international markets. Researchers, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives extension staff, producers, processors and consumers all remain in close contact and work cooperatively to ensure suitable varieties of buckwheat are produced for the world markets.

For example, the task of improving large seeded buckwheat is one of the current projects being undertaken and is largely being led by private industry. Canadian buckwheat industry players, representing all facets of the buckwheat industry (processing, growers, university, federal and provincial governments) have established an ad hoc committee called the North American Buckwheat Promotion Committee which serves as a technical advisory committee to the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) Market and Development Committee.

USES

Buckwheat is generally grown for grain. The raw seed is exported from Canada to Japan and Europe for processing. In Japan, buckwheat flour is used in combination with wheat flour for the manufacture of buckwheat noodles, a traditional dish. The noodles, known as “soba”, must have the desired flavor, which is imparted by new crop buckwheat. In North America, buckwheat has several main uses. Primarily the grain is milled for flour and used by the food and baking industries. Buckwheat flour can be mixed with wheat flour for pancake mix.

Buckwheat nectar is used to make honey, and aspirated buckwheat hulls offer an interesting pillow stuffer alternative to consumers allergic to feathers, dust and pollen.

Learn more about Canadian buckwheat by visiting the Manitoba Trade & Investment website.