Buckwheat: structure, composition, and utilization.

This is a review of production and cultivation methods of the accepted types and varieties of buckwheat. A brief description of seed characteristics and structure is followed by a detailed review of seed composition (carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, lipids, and miscellaneous compounds) in mature and maturing buckwheat. A major part of the review deals with buckwheat uses as food, feed, honey, and rutin. Mechanical processing, thermal treatment, specific food uses, standard specifications, and changes during storage are covered. The review ends with a projection into the future and research needs.