How To Make Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour

I want to teach you how to make gluten-free buckwheat flour. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the simple process of transforming raw buckwheat groats into fine, homemade flour. By answering your questions and providing step-by-step instructions, you'll soon master the art of creating buckwheat flour in the comfort of your kitchen. This knowledge will empower you to craft versatile flour quickly and efficiently, enhancing your cooking and baking with freshly made buckwheat flour.

While most grains require a grain meal for grinding, this is not the case with buckwheat. 

Buckwheat flour is a gluten-free flour that can be used in many ways. This means as long as it is certified gluten-free it is okay for those with Celiac Disease. If you like buckwheat and are looking for more ideas, I created a post with 8 of my recipes from the blog that use buckwheat.

What is buckwheat?

Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudocereal obtained from the seeds of the flowering plant Fagopyrum esculentum. Despite its name, it's unrelated to wheat but is used similarly in cooking and baking. It's renowned for its slightly nutty flavor and finds use in various dishes like buckwheat pancakes, quick breads, Japanese soba noodles, and other baked goods.

The buckwheat seeds, called groats, are often milled into flour, which I will be showing you in this post. 

Buckwheat has been a staple in Eastern Europe for a very long time but is gaining in popularity here in the United States over the last few years and for good reason. 

What do you need to get started? 

Raw buckwheat groats: If you want organic buckwheat flour, be sure to buy organic whole buckwheat groats. You can buy these at your local health food stores, or order the buckwheat groats online. 

Equipment: I am showing this in my blender, but you can also use a good food processor or a grain mill. The important thing to note for achieving the best results is that is it powerful and high-speed. 

It can also be done in a coffee grinder, just know it will need to be done in smaller batches. 

How to make buckwheat flour from buckwheat groats

This homemade recipe for buckwheat flour is easy, let me show you how. 

1. Dry Roasting (Optional): If desired, you can enhance the flavor by dry roasting the buckwheat groats. In a skillet over medium heat, stir the groats constantly until they release a nutty aroma. This step is optional but can add depth to the flour's taste.
2. Grinding: Transfer the roasted or untoasted buckwheat groats into a high-speed blender, food processor, or grain mill. Grind them in batches, as necessary, to avoid overloading the equipment. Process the groats until they turn into a fine powder, resembling flour. The time required for grinding may vary depending on the power of your blender or mill. 
3. Adjust the coarseness or fineness: of the grind to suit your recipe's requirements.
4. Sifting (Optional, but I do not recommend): For finer flour, you can sift the ground buckwheat through a fine mesh strainer or a flour sifter to remove any larger particles, resulting in smoother flour.
5. Storage: Store your ground buckwheat groats flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use it within a reasonable time frame to ensure freshness. Adjust the coarseness or fineness of the grind to suit your recipe's requirements.

Do you have to toast buckwheat before grinding?

Toasting buckwheat groats before grinding is an optional step that can be done to enhance the flavor of the resulting flour. Toasting the groats can bring out a nuttier and more robust taste in the flour. However, it's not a mandatory step, and you can make buckwheat flour from untoasted groats as well.

If you choose to toast the groats, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they release a nutty aroma. Be attentive during the toasting process to avoid burning the groats, which could impart a bitter taste to the flour. After toasting, allow the groats to cool completely before grinding them into flour.

How to store buckwheat flour

Storing buckwheat flour properly helps maintain its freshness. Here's how to store it:

1. Airtight Container: Transfer the buckwheat flour to an airtight container. A glass jar or a resealable plastic container works well. Ensure the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent air from entering, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
2. Cool, Dry Place: Store the airtight container of buckwheat flour in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to heat or sunlight as it can affect the quality of the flour. The pantry or a cupboard away from the stove or direct sunlight is a suitable location.
3. Labeling and Date: Label the container with the date when you stored the buckwheat flour. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
4. Regular Checks: Periodically inspect the buckwheat flour for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration. Using it within a reasonable time frame helps maintain its flavor and quality.

What is the shelf-life of buckwheat flour?

Properly stored, buckwheat flour can typically last for several months, though it's ideal to use it within a reasonable time for optimal flavor and quality.

I prefer to grind my own buckwheat flour in smaller batches for what I am using it for. This ensures the best quality and freshness. 

How do you prevent the buckwheat flour from becoming gritty or coarse?

• Finer Grinding: Grind the buckwheat groats into flour using a high-powered blender or a grain mill. A finer grind can yield a smoother texture, reducing the grittiness in the flour.
• Sifting: After grinding, sift the buckwheat flour through a fine mesh strainer or a flour sifter. This process helps remove larger particles and contributes to a smoother flour texture.
• Dry Roasting: If you choose to roast the groats before grinding, ensure that you don't overheat them. Over-roasting can cause a grainy texture in the flour.
• Store Properly: Store the buckwheat flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This is important for all dry ingredients, and gluten-free flours. Excessive exposure to moisture or heat can lead to clumping, making the flour coarse.

How to use buckwheat flour

Are you ready for ways to use your ground flour? Buckwheat flour is one of my favorite flours to use that is gluten-free, it has a rich flavor and distinct flavor that I think is so good in baked goods. Let me share my favorite buckwheat flour recipes. 

Buckwheat gluten-free sandwich bread is so easy to make. It is also light and fluffy!

Making buckwheat pie dough is a really simple process, let me show you how. 

For a recipe that uses that buckwheat pie dough, how about this peach buckwheat galette? It is so easy to make and delicious. 

These buckwheat chocolate chip cookies are some of my favorites! Be sure to click for the details. 

Buckwheat crepes are a really simple gluten-free whole-grain crepe idea. The buckwheat flavor adds a delicious complexity to normal crepes. 

• Whole Grain Resources
• Buckwheat