Buckwheat - is not a wheat - it is a highly nutritious fruit seed. It is high in the flavonoids rutin ( a compound of the flavonoid class found in common rue, buckwheat, capers, and other plants, and sometimes taken as a dietary supplement.) quercetin, ( a yellow crystalline pigment present in plants, used as a food supplement to reduce allergic responses or boost immunity.) a source of magnesium, manganese, copper and fiber. The protein in buckwheat is a high quality protein, containing all eight essential amino acids including lysine.
Why soak, sprout and dehydrate ?
Seeds contain ''enzyme inhibitors'' soaking is the only way we can unlock these enzymes, so we can absorb the nutrients.
I use my oven to dehydrate but the best way is in a dehydrator. The reason is, so you keep it under 47.7 celsius, this keeps it still raw, so the enzymes, fatty acids and vitamins are not destroyed. Higher temperature does not destroy the protein and the fibre.
Sprouting buckwheat - soak raw buckwheat in water for 15 minutes, drain, place in a strainer, cover with a lid, rinse 2 - 3 times a day, until sprouted. It takes about 3 days.
Sprouted Granola
500 gr buckwheat - sprouted
1 cup sunflower seeds - option - sprouted same as the buckwheat or just soak over night, drain.
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup soaked overnight almonds or walnuts
1/4 c chia seeds
1/4 cup cacao
1 tsp cinnamon
400gr dried or fresh dates - soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes - then drain well
1 orange - rind only
Option - cacao nibs, maca, mesquite, acai berries, vanilla extract, sea salt, goji berries or currants,
Method
1 - Soak buckwheat grouts for 15 minutes and then drain. Place in a fine strainer or in a steamer in a warm place with a lid on, which I prefer. Rinse 2 - 3 times a day for about 3 days or until the grouts sprout.
2 - Place the soft, drained dates in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2 - In a large bowl place all the ingredients and mix really well. Spread over a tray and dehydrate overnight on the lowest setting.
Soak any seeds and nuts overnight, then drain. Soak the dates in boiling water for 15 minutes, drain and place in a food processor until smooth.
Mix all the dried ingredients and then add the date paste. Place on a lined baking tray. Bake on the lowest setting under 47.7 c (you may need to have the door, very slightly open) in an oven or in a dehydrator or until dry and crispy. I do this overnight.
This is a great tasting breakfast cereal with your choice of milk. ( I love homemade almond milk ) or an energy snack. I have to hide mine, because I can't stop snacking on it.
Nutritious and delicious.