What is the meaning of buckwheat flowers? When mentioning buckwheat flowers, you will surely think of the white and pink flowers growing in abundance in the valley. Where you can freely pose for photos when going to Ha Giang. But do you know what the meaning of buckwheat flowers is to the people here? Let’s find out with us!
Introduction to buckwheat flowers
What kind of flower is buckwheat flower?
Buckwheat, also known as three-cornered buckwheat, rye, sèo, buckwheat, is a plant of the Vietnamese coriander family first scientifically described by Conrad Moench in 1794. In Vietnam, the plant is grown mainly in the highlands of the North.
The color of buckwheat flowers when they first bloom is mainly white and light pink. Later, when the temperature drops and the air is cold, the flowers will have a dominant purple or dark pink color. Buckwheat flowers are most beautiful when the petals turn purple-pink. The flowers bloom in clusters, the petals gather into a cone shape, with the buckwheat seeds in the middle.
Origin?
The plant was first domesticated and cultivated in Southeast Asia probably around 6000 BC. From there it spread to Central Asia and Tibet. Then to Europe and the Middle East.
The tree has been grown in China, Japan and many European countries since the 15th century. In Vietnam, this species is grown in the northern highlands.
Characteristics of buckwheat
It is an annual herb, can be from 0.4m to 1.7m high. The stem is cylindrical, can be branched, green or red. The leaf blade is heart-shaped or lanceolate, the leaf margin is intact. Leaves growing below the stem often have heart-shaped blades, petioles, and leaf sheaths. Leaves growing above the top of the plant are often lanceolate and have no petiole.
Inflorescences grow at the ends of branches or leaf axils. The fruit is a double-shelled, 3-sided, dark brown or gray achene. The seeds have a powdery endosperm. Flowering season is from June to October, fruiting season is from June to November, in some areas the flowering and fruiting season may be later.
Buckwheat can be distributed at altitudes up to 2,200m. The plant grows well in humid and cool climates with temperatures of 15-22 degrees Celsius.
Where are flowers grown in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, the flower is mainly grown in Ha Giang province. In addition, there are some places in our country where this plant is grown such as Lao Cai (Si Ma Cai, Bac Ha), Yen Bai (Khau Pha, Mu Cang Chai), Son La (Van Ho, Moc Chau), Lang Son (Bac Son), …
Legend of buckwheat flower
According to legend, there were two fairies named Tien Ngo and Tien Gao who traveled throughout the world to sow seeds. When the work was completed, they saw the remaining corn husks and chaff, so they dumped them down the mountain ravine.
The corn and rice grew and gave grain, and the villagers eagerly took it home to eat. But gradually the corn and rice ran out and the next harvest had not yet come, and hunger gripped the village. The villagers went everywhere to find food but still could not find it. One day, a strange fragrance wafted in the wind. Everyone went to the ravine and saw a forest of tiny flowers stretching from one side of the mountain to the other. When the grain formed, everyone brought it home to try and taste it, and it was as delicious as corn and rice.
Since then, the village no longer suffered from hunger, and smoke from the kitchens billowed from the roofs.
Explain the name “buckwheat”
Because the plant grows from rice and corn stalks (according to legend), it is called “mach”, the leaves and fruits are triangular in shape, perhaps that is how the name “mach”. The Mong people also call “mach” “chez”.
Uses and meanings of buckwheat in highland life
In the eyes of tourists, this flower will help the photos taken become more poetic. But the truth is that buckwheat has much more value than that. If we study carefully, it will surprise us!
Used as food and drink for humans
Buckwheat
Young buckwheat stems are picked by locals and boiled. Some restaurants in Dong Van Old Quarter also use young shoots in hot pot. Buckwheat has a slightly bitter taste, but after eating, it is sweet and fragrant.
Buckwheat cake
Buckwheat seeds are picked, dried and ground into powder. From here, the women will process them into a distinctive brown cake. The fatty, chewy and fragrant buckwheat cake will make anyone who enjoys it crave it. After eating one, they will want to eat two.
Buckwheat porridge
In addition to making cakes, buckwheat seeds are also ground to make porridge. On cold winter days, eating a bowl of hot buckwheat porridge is like tasting the whole highland weather.
Snacks
Roast buckwheat seeds on a red-hot stove. This dish is very popular with young people because they can sit and tell stories with friends while enjoying a snack.
Buckwheat wine
Buckwheat wine is not made entirely from buckwheat seeds but is also mixed with corn in a 1:2 ratio. Then they are fermented with a special yeast and cooked to create wine. The wine is smooth to drink, not as spicy as rice wine, and is the beginning of the host’s conversation with guests from afar.
Some other uses
Used as animal feed
In addition to being food for humans, buckwheat is also used as animal feed, especially during winter when fresh grass is scarce.
Used as a herbal medicine to support health
Buckwheat leaves and stems, if boiled, will become a medicine to treat digestive diseases such as diarrhea, bloating, inflammation, stomach pain, etc.
Used for beauty
If you grind buckwheat seeds finely and mix them with yogurt or unsweetened fresh milk to form a thick mixture, then apply a thin layer on your face for about 15 minutes and rinse. Regular use will help brighten your skin visibly.
Conclude
Although it is a small flower, buckwheat has many wonderful stories to tell. In the past, the plant was mainly grown as a reserve food to prevent hunger for people during the lean season. Now, thanks to the development of tourism, this flower has been more respected. Therefore, do not forget to visit Ha Giang to bring back beautiful photos and memorable experiences with buckwheat flowers!
