Tag: buckwheat

  • Worth the buzz

    Worth the buzz

    Swarming with benefits, honey is one of nature’s best immune supporters

    Types of honey

    More than 300 types of honey exist worldwide, each one boasting a unique flavour profile (determined by the type of nectar the bees harvest) together with a myriad of health benefits.

    Manuka

    Manuka is widely considered the gold standard of healthy honeys. It’s one of few varieties classified as medical grade, thanks to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO)―a natural antibacterial compound that helps fight infection and minimize inflammation to boost overall immunity.

    Sourced from a flowering shrub native to New Zealand, manuka honey tastes earthy and medicinal. There’s even a grading system noted on each bottle for measuring its potency. The higher the number, the more powerful the antibacterial properties (and the larger the price tag).

    Buckwheat

    If manuka is the gold standard, consider buckwheat honey its Canadian counterpart that’s just as rich in flavour and nutrients. The dark-hued honey is produced in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It’s also a rarer variety: since the buckwheat flower is so tiny, it means bees must feast on more flowers to collect enough nectar for production. The toffee-like sweetener is packed with antioxidants, with studies claiming it contains even higher levels than that of manuka.

    Clover

    Clover honey, derived from various species of the clover flower, is the type most commonly lining grocery store shelves. It has a light amber hue and smooth, syrup-like sweetness. Clover honey (especially the raw variety) is also effective at protecting the immune system by warding off harmful bacteria to help fight infection.

    Wildflower

    Wildflower honey is produced when honeybees pollinate many flower varieties (compared to just one type). It also contains plenty of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help lower oxidative stress and support immune function. A study testing 57 types of blossom honey found that wildflower honeys showcased the strongest antibacterial activity.

    Propolis

    Propolis (also known as “bee glue”) is technically not honey, but it’s such a nutritional powerhouse that it, too, deserves the spotlight. Crafted from tree sap, beeswax, and other plant-derived compounds, bees use the sticky substance to seal gaps in their hive and ward off intruders. (You’ll often spot it on shelves in tincture, spray, capsule, or even lozenge form).

    Propolis contains similar health benefits to honey, but even stronger antimicrobial activity to fight infections like stubborn colds and sore throats. Unlike honey, propolis is naturally low in sugar.

    By Brittany Devenyi

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine
  • Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

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    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 1/2 tbsp tamari
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • 1/2 lb tofu cubed
    • 8 ounces 100% buckwheat soba noodles
    • 2 scallions thinly sliced
    • 1/4 bunch cilantro chopped
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp sriracha
    • 2 tsp cane sugar
    • 1 large garlic clove finely minced

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together olive oil, tamari, and sesame seeds and toss with tofu. Place tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until tofu is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
    2. Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of lightly salted water to a boil and add noodles. Gently simmer for 4-6 minutes, then drain and rinse.
    3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until emulsified. Add noodles, tofu, scallions, and cilantro. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

    Notes

    Buckwheat is gluten free; some soba noodles are made with wheat flour and buckwheat flour. To make sure this recipe is gluten free, go for 100% buckwheat. If customers don’t need to avoid gluten, then regular soba noodles will work just the same.
     
  • Whole Grains from Around the World with Christine Waltermyer

    Whole Grains from Around the World with Christine Waltermyer

    https://vimeo.com/316936703/05e2b283a9

    Whole Grains from Around the World

    with Christine Waltermyer

    MENU:

    Indian Vegetable Biryani Rice

    Persian Steamed White Rice

    Russian Buckwheat with Onions

    Mexican Chocolate Quinoa Pudding

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!