There are countless varieties of buckwheat - so many that it is absolutely impossible to summarize them in one guide. Each country where buckwheat is grown has its own varieties, which are often typical of the respective region. It is easier to distinguish between the types of buckwheat, especially the real buckwheat and the Tatar buckwheat.
What varieties and types of buckwheat are there?
Buckwheat varieties vary depending on the growing region and include Darja (Slovenia), Carinthian Hadn, Billy, Bambi, Pyra (Austria) and Hruszowska (Poland). The most important species are the common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and the Tatar buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), which differ in leaf shape and stem color.
Every country has its own variety of buckwheat
Buckwheat is widespread in many countries in Eurasia and in eastern Africa. In the different 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 alike.
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 type of buckwheat is the best?
This question cannot be answered in general. In general, however, it is advisable to prefer varieties with a large thousand-seed mass and, if possible, a certain late sowing tolerance.
On the other hand, you should 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 most important types of buckwheat
The buckwheat species are much easier to classify and name than the buckwheat varieties - especially since only the real buckwheat (bot. Fagopyrum esculentum) and the Tatar buckwheat (bot. Fagopyrum tataricum) are significant in this country.
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 long. In addition, the color of the stems at fruiting time is green for Tatar buckwheat, but red for buckwheat.
There are also differences in terms of the ingredients: In contrast to real buckwheat, Tatar buckwheat does not contain salicylaldehyde, but it does contain naphthalene. Both substances are particularly noticeable through smell.
Historical background information about buckwheat
Buckwheat originally comes from Central Asia, particularly Mongolia. From there the Tatars and Saracens are said to have brought it to Europe via Islamic countries.
Buckwheat has reportedly been grown in Germany since the 13th century. At that time it served primarily as a stopgap on boggy and sandy soils. It was also often used on heathland moors and as a pioneer plant after slash-and-burn agriculture.
