pseudocereal

Buckwheat, for example

A pseudocereal is a plant cultivated for its starchy, grain-like seeds but not a true grass like wheat, rice, or corn.

Quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are the most familiar examples.

They're prepared and eaten like grains but come from entirely different plant families: Quinoa is technically a pseudocereal, not a grain.

heritage

ancient grain

Pre-industrial staple crop

heirloomInherited family treasure
indigenousOriginating in a region
neolithicFinal Stone Age period

domestication · staple crop · subsistence farming · seed saving · biodiversity

quinoa

saponin

Foam-producing plant chemical

AndesSouth American western range
BoliviaAndean republic, two capitals
PeruPacific coast republic

Inca · altiplano · terrace · polyculture · complete protein · rinsing · sprouted · puffed

buckwheat

groats

Hulled grain kernels

kashaRoasted buckwheat porridge
sobaBuckwheat noodle from Japan
galettesThin savory French pancakes

blini · buckwheat flour · buckwheat honey

nutrition

complete protein

Contains all essential amino acids

essential amino acidsProtein building blocks requiring dietary intake
lysineEssential amino acid
fiberPlant-based digestive aid

magnesium · iron · zinc · calcium · folate · antioxidants · phytonutrients · low-glycemic · nutrient-dense · heart-healthy

amaranth

amaranthus

Flowering grain plant

red pigmentColor substance, sanguine
IncaAncient Peruvian civilization member
protein-richAbundant in amino acids

gluten-free

coeliac

Gluten-triggered intestinal disorder

gluten intoleranceAdverse reaction to wheat protein
dietary restrictionRule about allowed foods
cross-contaminationTransfer of harmful substances

allergy-friendly · digestive health

Opposites

botanical classification

pseudocerealcereal grain

Edible grass seed

wheat · rice · corn · barley · oats

Family

cereal, pseudo, cereals, pseudonym, pseudoscience, pseudopod

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G