Discover buckwheat tea: Caffeine-free brew with health perks

Soba Cha, or buckwheat tea, is made from the roasted seeds of the tartary buckwheat plant. This is a slightly different species from the one commonly cultivated for flour, groats, or flakes. Tartary buckwheat is mainly grown in Asia, where residents of China, Japan, Taiwan, and Mongolia have long appreciated both the plant's beneficial properties and the taste of the tea made from it.

Soba Cha is called buckwheat tea, but this isn't entirely accurate. As you know, the term "tea" only applies to products made from the Camellia sinensis plant, such as green, red, white, or black tea. However, for simplicity, many infusions, including herbal and fruit varieties, are also referred to as teas. Because of this, buckwheat tea contains no caffeine and can be consumed at any time of the day. And it's worth trying, as it offers many benefits.

Buckwheat tea is packed with vitamins, primarily A, C, E, and B-group vitamins. It also contains magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Thanks to these nutrients, buckwheat tea has cholesterol-lowering properties and positively affects blood pressure regulation, supporting proper heart function. Regular consumption of buckwheat tea may speed up metabolism, improve intestinal peristalsis, and help remove accumulated toxins. Therefore, it can support weight loss, particularly as buckwheat tea can suppress appetite, especially cravings for sweets. The mineral content also ensures that buckwheat tea positively impacts the nervous system, helping to calm you down and making it easier to fall asleep.

Buckwheat is usually associated with a rather bitter and astringent taste, but this isn't the case with Soba Cha tea. The flavor, along with its health properties, is one of its significant assets. It offers a delicate taste with a nutty-chocolate undertone, which should appeal to fans of cocoa and other lightly sweetened drinks.

Pour hot water over a teaspoon of the tea and brew for 3 to 5 minutes. It's worth adjusting the brewing time to find the best flavor for you. Then, it's best to strain the seeds. Buckwheat tea can be enjoyed on its own or with additions such as honey, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, or fruit syrup.