buckwheat

" It is believed that buckwheat originated in China and was planted as early as 5,000 or 6,000 years ago. Buckwheat has many uses and is rated as one of the best sources of high biological value protein in the plant kingdom. In spite of its name, buckwheat is technically a fruit or a nut rather than a cereal grain. World buckwheat production has been variable over the past ten years, from 2.35 million metric tons in 1999-2000 to 3.15 metric tons in 2000-2001. Production decreased in 2002 and 2003. Over the past five years, 50 percent of the world’s production has come from China. World buckwheat production is mainly consumed in its country of origin. World buckwheat exports averaged 173,000 tons per year during the 5 year period ending in 2004. China normally accounts for about 75％ of the exports and Japan normally accounts for about 60％ of the imports. Over all grades and markets, the price has been relatively stable during the past ten years. Most of the buckwheat is grown under contract which guarantees the price for part, or all, of the production before seeding."