markets
Buckwheat continues to be an export crop. It was built on export to Japan for decades up until the early 2000’s but has shifted more to the United States as the primary export market while Japan as well as to European countries remain important destinations.
Because buckwheat production is market-oriented, efforts are ongoing in Manitoba to develop suitable varieties for foreign markets. The task of improving large seeded buckwheat has been undertaken privately now that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has ended its buckwheat breeding programme.
marketing
Statutory grades to maintain the quality standards of Canadian buckwheat are established under the Canada Grain Act.
As varieties are introduced for commercial production, changes may occur in grade specifications; therefore, when information is needed, the most recent grade specifications should be consulted. To maintain markets, as well as to expand them, constant communication and cooperation is required among those involved with buckwheat: researchers, extension staff, producers, processors, merchants, and consumers.
green testa buckwheat- a speciality market
As buckwheat ages while in storage, the testa (seed coat) turns from green to reddish brown.
Freshly harvested buckwheat with green testa possesses a flavour and aroma which the Japanese refer to as "fu-u-mi." As seed becomes older, fu-u-mi is lost. For fresh buckwheat noodle makers and their customers, fu-u-mi is the most valued quality of buckwheat. For these markets, it is important to have testa in stored buckwheat retain its green colour for as long as possible.
To maintain the quality of buckwheat, it should be stored at low temperatures and low humidity.
Green testa is maintained when the seed is sun-cured as opposed to artificially dried.
