Buckwheat gluten is confused with normal grain wheat. Most of the time people get confused and treat it like wheat. But it does not have any botanical similarity or relationship to each other. Their only similarity is that they both come from plants. Buckwheat flour is gluten-free and helps people with celiac disease. People affected by this disease should generally avoid consuming gluten.
Why is it called that?
Buckwheat is also known as “beech wheat”. The reason for such a name lies in its shape. It looks like a larger beech seed. They become flour when ground and used like wheat. It is more of a fruit seed than a cereal grain. People generally use buckwheat to replace other grains and foods on their food list. The nutrient information shows that it is similar to cereals.
Buckwheat gluten nutritional information
Research results from the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute show that buckwheat gluten provides a unique nutritional profile among cereals. It contains 12 percent protein when shelled, and the amount of lysine found in it is also high. It also contains a low amount of fat about 2 percent, making it a lean grain. When cooked, it can be a good source of manganese, magnesium, tryptophan, and many other dietary fibers.
The use of buckwheat and its
Buckwheat does not contain gluten. That is why it is used to prepare most of the traditional foods such as soba noodles, crepes and porridges. The porridges are generally made from whole or rolled grains. Buckwheat pancakes are one of the most common favorite foods made with it. It is prepared using a mixture of buckwheat with traditional whole wheat. It gives a lighter texture due to its inherent gluten.
The appearance of buckwheat is dark in color. It is high in fiber and is a remarkable addition to various baked goods. It also has a stronger flavor than other regular beans. Flour is lighter than others and foods made with it are really pleasant in the mouth both visually and when tasted. Buckwheat baked goods have thicker and denser textures. These are similar to foods like sprouted whole grain breads.
Baking with buckwheat gluten
People with celiac disease should avoid gluten. Therefore, many people use buckwheat as part of their baking arsenal. Various other gluten free flours like cornstarch, sweet rice flour, cornstarch are usually mixed with buckwheat to make various recipes. It helps make the dough stickier like guar gum and gelatin. It also helps to replace the functions that gluten performs.
Buckwheat gluten is the main concern during cross contamination. Therefore, you need to be vigilant when buying buckwheat. If you are advised to avoid gluten, make sure your buckwheat flour is gluten free. Buckwheat made by a reputable manufacturer can help you in this regard.