Try this nutty little grain to cool summer heat and nourish yourself.

Buckwheat helps maintain balanced cholesterol, stable blood sugar, and low blood pressure. Its beneficial effects are due to its high flavonoid and magnesium content.

These recipes will inspire you to savor kasha, toasted buckwheat groats, in new and interesting ways!

PLUM BUCKWHEAT BREAKFAST

In a stock pot, bring these ingredients to a boil:

• 3 plums, halved, pitted, and quartered

• 2 ½ cups water

• 1 cup kasha (toasted buckwheat groats)

• 1/4½teaspoon each: cardamom and cinnamon

• pinch salt

Reduce to simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

At the end of cooking, add:

• 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 Tablespoons honey

Mix to incorporate and enjoy! Top with unsweetened whole yogurt if you like.

STRAWBERRY BUCKWHEAT DESSERT

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix these ingredients together:

• 1 cup buckwheat flour

• pinch salt

• 1 teaspoon each: cinnamon and cardamom

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Make a well in the center and add:

• 3/4 cup milk (almond, rice, or cow)

• 3 Tablespoons maple syrup

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

• 2 eggs

Whisk well.

Add 2 cups fresh strawberries, de-stemmed and halved.

Incorporate wet and dry ingredients.

Pour into an oiled pie plate and bake for 20 minutes.

Cool, slice, and enjoy!