Expiring buckwheat: Your new eco‑friendly fertilizer solution
Do you have an expired bag of buckwheat at home? Under no circumstances should you throw it away. Although it is no longer suitable for consumption, you can use it to prepare homemade fertilizer.
25 May 2024 15:04
Buckwheat is a staple in almost every kitchen cabinet. It can be substituted for pasta, rice, or potatoes and used in many dishes, including bread.
Toss it into boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes to get a healthy addition to your dinner. Buckwheat is a source of many valuable vitamins, but we rarely prepare it. However, if you have a package of expired buckwheat at home, do not throw it away. Prepare homemade fertilizer from the buckwheat, nourishing young plants and potted flowers.
Buckwheat — a source of valuable nutrients
Buckwheat is older than potatoes. It was cultivated as early as 6000 B.C. It originated in China but quickly spread throughout Asia. In the 14th century, it reached Europe, instantly becoming one of the most popular food products. Even then, it was valued for its unique taste, aroma, and numerous health benefits.
Buckwheat contains many valuable nutrients such as manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, niacin, folic acid, and B vitamins. The grains also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which fight free radicals responsible for developing diseases and aging the body.
Regular consumption of buckwheat supports the proper functioning of the circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems. It helps prevent the development of many dangerous diseases and regulates blood sugar levels.
Don't throw away expired buckwheat. use it to prepare fertilizer
While cleaning kitchen cabinets, you may come across a few forgotten and expired treasures. If you find an old bag of buckwheat in your cabinet, do not throw it away. Although it is no longer suitable for consumption, you can use it to prepare homemade fertilizer for garden plants and flowers. This nutrient solution will provide them with copper, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus essential for their proper growth.
How to make fertilizer from buckwheat? Get a large bowl. Pour in a large handful of buckwheat and cover it with a litre of cool water. Set the bowl in a cool and dark place for 24 hours. After that, strain the nutrient solution through a sieve and water the plants with it. The fertilizer will work well for all green plants (such as peace lily, ZZ plant, monstera) and young vegetable seedlings. Use it once weekly, and you'll notice new leaves after a month.
