Groats Are Not Gross

What in the world are buckwheat groats? I hadn’t even heard of them until just last year. When I went grain free for a bit my chiropractic nutritionist suggested I replace my oatmeal with buckwheat groats. I was confused by it’s confusing name and had assumed that buckwheat was wheat.  However, contrary to it’s name… buckwheat does not contain gluten. In fact, it’s not even a true grain. It’s a seed of a fruit similar to rubarb. At the time I was hesitant to try them…  I’m often slow to try new things. I really didn’t think anything could replace my beloved steel cut oats. So now, a year after having heard of them I did a little research and decided to give them a try. Let me tell you, I am in love. I think I prefer them to my steel cut oats. They have a soft yet nutty texture and flavor and have a nutritional value similar to steel cut oats so they are a good substitution.

Here is how I like my groats:

You will need:

• 1/4 cup buckwheat groats
• 1 cup filtered water (1/2 cup for overnight and 1/2 cup for cooking in the morning)
• acid for soaking: I prefer lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
• add ins: I prefer frozen berries, chia seeds, ground flax seed, cinnamon, and walnuts
• Other possible add ins: coconut cream concentrate, honey, maple syrup, almond butter, apples, coconut flakes… the possibilities are endless

How I make my groats:

I like to soak my groats as a single serving overnight.

Place 1/4 cups of buckwheat groats in a small pot with 1/2 cup of filtered water.

Pour in 1/2 TBS of either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (this is optional but helps to make the groats more easily digestible).

Then place a lid over the pan and let them sit overnight.

In the morning rinse the groats in a strainer. They will be a little slimy. This is normal.

Place the rinsed groats back into my pot and add in a fresh 1/2 cup of filtered water.

Leave the lid off.

Then bring the groats to a boil (at med heat) then bring the temp down slightly and simmer them for about 5-10 minutes stiring occasionally and adding more water if needed.

After simmering, add frozen berries (I prefer blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries) and let the groats simmer for another minute.

Then take them off the heat, put the lid back on the pot and let them sit for another minutes (depending on how patient I am).

Pour the groats in a bowl and add extras: chia seeds, flax seed, cinnamon, walnuts etc… Cinnamon not only tastes great but it lowers the glycemic impact of all those carbs.

If I add chia seeds I let them sit an additional minute or 2 to let the chia seeds soak up the liquid. Some people (like my son) like their chia seeds crunchier. If you do, then go ahead and eat them right away.

UPDATE: I had some people ask where they can buy buckwheat groats. I bought mine in the bulk section of my local food co op (The Good Food Store in Rochester, MN). But you can also get them on amazon. Here are the links:

5 lbs bag of Anthony’s Organic Raw Hulled Buckwheat Groats (costs less than if you buy it by the lb alone and free shipping on orders over $35)

1 lbs pack of Bob’s Mill Organic Buckwheat Groats

There you have it. Buckwheat groats are not gross. They are delicious!

I enjoy my groats with a side of farm fresh eggs (with spinach and salsa) for my morning protein.

How about you? Have you ever tried buckwheat groats? What is your favorite go-to breakfast?

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