Buckwheat Honey has been around for a very long time in the United States.  Buckwheat was a very important crop from the 1930's through the 1960's when it started to drop off.  Because of the drop off in buckwheat production the honey can be somewhat rare these days.  Buckwheat is not a wheat at all as the name implies.  It is actually a fruit that is related to rhubarb.  It is rich in omega 3's.  The flowers are abundant on the plants and created a carpet of small pink flowers that could be in bloom until late in August.  

Buckwheat honey has always been prized for its rich, dark molasses, malty flavor.  It is not too sweet and is a great source of iron.  Because of the fact that it is a mono-floral honey the flavor can be predictable and consistent.  It is a strong flavor and can take some getting used to but, as recent studies have proven it may be worth the try.  

Darker honeys have been proven to have a higher antioxidant qualities. Studies at Penn State College of Medicine have shown that buckwheat honey is more effective than typical over the counter cough medicines.  In this double blind study parents found that children that took a teaspoon of buckwheat honey before bed coughed less and had a more restful nights sleep.  Some side effects of increased energy in these same children were reported.  Having a natural alternative to cough medicine is a relief to many parents especially since the FDA warned about the effects of dextromethorphan, cough medicine and does not recommend it for children under the age of 6.  

When buying honey, you want to look for raw honey.  Likewise when you eat the honey you want to avoid putting it in hot tea or oatmeal or anything that will subject the honey to heat which can degrade the health benefits of buckwheat honey.

Lory Sanchez