Buckwheat is a pseudo-cereal and is used as a wheat free grain alternative. On its own it can be eaten like rice or added to stews and salads to pad them out. Buckwheat can be toasted to make kasha for a more nutty flavour and crunchy texture. A great alternative to rice or cous-cous. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is therefore used frequently in wheat free cooking.