Buckwheat- Age for Introducing Buckwheat to Your Baby:
8-10 Months
What is Buckwheat?
Buckwheat is not related to wheat nor is it a grain! Buckwheat is actually a seed however it is tossed into the whole grain category. Buckwheat is gluten free and makes a wonderful food for those who are gluten intolerant (celiac disease) or who have an allergy to the wheat protein! Buckwheat may be found either roasted or unroasted.
What is Kasha? Is Kasha Buckwheat?
Kasha is buckwheat; when buckwheat is roasted, it is often called "Kasha". Buckwheat is also milled into a flour and makes wonderful hearty foods such as muffins and pancakes. You may find this labeled Kasha flour or Buckwheat flour depending on the brand you purchase!
The Goodness of Buckwheat:
Buckwheat is high in fiber and contains Iron, Niacin, Folate and even Vitamin K!
Buckwheat (Kasha): (1 cup roasted and cooked)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 0 IU
Vitamin C - 0 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .06 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .06 mg
Niacin - 1.57 mg
Folate - 24 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 148 mg
Phosphorus - 118 mg
Magnesium - 86 mg
Calcium - 12 mg
Sodium - 7 mg
Selenium - 3.7 mg
Iron - 1.34 mg
Zinc - .6 mg
Manganese - .6 mg
Also contains small amount of copper.
PROTEIN:
Protein - 5.68 g
When can I introduce Buckwheat/Kasha to my baby?
Buckwheat or Kasha may be introduced to baby from 8 months and older.
How to store Buckwheat
Buckwheat, in the form of the whole grain and in the form of flour may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grain/fkour in the refrigerator. If you grind Buckwheat into a flour for cereal, it should be stored in an air tight
container and preferably in your refrigerator.
The same "rules" apply for Buckwheat as apply to rice powder or oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.
The best way to cook Buckwheat
When cooking the "buckwheat powder" for homemade baby cereal, use 1/4 cup of powder per 1-2 cups of water - more or less as you see fit. The key is to whisk whisk whisk as you are cooking to avoid clumping!
Basic Kasha/Buckwheat Recipes:
Buckwheat or Kasha Cereal (make it Organic by using Organic Brown Rice!)
2 cups water
1 cup kasha
In a small saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the kasha, return to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cook the kasha for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve kasha porridge plain or with mixed in fruit purees. Add some yogurt to make a creamy cereal. You can even add soymilk to cool and thin the cereal!
Kasha Pilaf we found this at Birkett Mills and it is a wonderful recipe!
1 cup uncooked kasha
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
Method
In large skillet, melt butter and saute onions and mushrooms. Prepare kasha according to basic directions on package, adding the sautéed vegetables when the liquid is added and eliminating any additional butter or margarine. Before serving, fluff kasha with a fork and sprinkle with parsley
Our Own Variation:
Use apples and raisins in place of the onions and mushrooms to make this a yummy dish with chicken or pork! Peel, core and dice 1 large apple into small dices and sautee with 1/4 cup chopped raisins - follow above recipe.
Kasha Meatballs
1 cup cooked kasha
1 egg (or 2 yolks)
1 pound ground turkey
2 carrots, peeled and finely shredded
breadcrumbs as needed
1 onion, finely diced
garlic powder
basil
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients together until moist. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs or cooked kasha as needed. This recipe is basically the same as a "regular" meatloaf or meatball recipe.
Shape mix into little balls or patties and bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes - more or less time depending on the thickness. Cover with tinfoil to prevent burning. Check on the "meatballs" frequently.
Foods Good to Mix With Kasha:
Fruits, vegetables, yogurt and meats are all good foods to add and mix with Kasha and homemade Kasha baby cereals!
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