In general, buckwheat pancakes are more commonly made using buckwheat flour rather than whole hulled buckwheat groats. Here’s why:

Convenience: Buckwheat flour is readily available in most grocery stores and is convenient to use. It doesn’t require soaking or grinding at home like whole groats do.
Texture: Buckwheat flour typically results in a smoother texture in pancakes compared to using whole groats, which can have a slightly coarser texture unless blended very finely.
Consistency: Recipes using buckwheat flour tend to be more consistent in terms of texture and flavor, as the flour is uniform in composition.
Tradition: Many traditional buckwheat pancake recipes use buckwheat flour as their base ingredient. This has led to its widespread use in pancake-making.

However, using hulled buckwheat groats can provide additional nutritional benefits, as they contain more fiber and nutrients compared to the flour. Some people prefer the flavor and texture that whole groats impart, despite the extra preparation involved.

Ultimately, both methods can yield delicious buckwheat pancakes, but the choice often comes down to personal preference, convenience, and dietary considerations. If you’re looking for convenience and a smoother texture, buckwheat flour may be the preferred option. If you prioritize nutrition and don’t mind a bit of extra preparation, using hulled buckwheat groats could be the way to go.

Choosing between buckwheat flour and hulled buckwheat groats depends on your preferences and the specific dish you want to prepare. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Buckwheat Flour:

Convenience: Buckwheat flour is more convenient to use because it's readily available in most grocery stores and doesn’t require soaking or grinding at home.
Texture: Buckwheat flour tends to produce smoother and more consistent textures in recipes like pancakes, muffins, and breads.
Flavor: It has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that is characteristic of buckwheat.
Versatility: Buckwheat flour can be used in various recipes, including baking goods like pancakes, crepes, cookies, and even as a gluten-free flour substitute in some recipes.
Nutritional Value: It retains some nutrients from the groats, but the refining process may result in a slight loss of fiber compared to whole groats.

Hulled Buckwheat Groats:

Nutritional Value: Whole hulled buckwheat groats are more nutritious because they retain all parts of the seed, including the fiber-rich outer hull. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals like manganese and magnesium.
Texture: Whole groats have a chewier texture and a more noticeable graininess compared to flour. They can add a nice texture to dishes like salads or porridge.
Preparation: Whole groats require soaking and cooking before use, which adds to their preparation time compared to using flour.
Flavor: They have a robust, earthy flavor that can add depth to dishes.
Uses: Besides making pancakes, groats are also used in dishes like pilafs, salads, and porridges.

Choosing Based on Your Needs:

For Baking: If you’re making pancakes or baked goods and prefer convenience and a smoother texture, buckwheat flour is a good choice.
For Nutritional Benefits: If you prioritize nutritional value and don’t mind a bit of extra preparation time, whole hulled buckwheat groats are the better option due to their higher fiber and nutrient content.
For Texture and Flavor: If you enjoy a more rustic texture and robust flavor in your dishes, whole hulled buckwheat groats might be more suitable.

Both buckwheat flour and hulled buckwheat groats have their advantages depending on what you’re looking to achieve in your cooking. Experimenting with both can help you determine which you prefer for different recipes and dishes.

In most places, buckwheat flour tends to be more accessible compared to whole hulled buckwheat groats. Here are a few reasons why:

Availability in Stores: Buckwheat flour is commonly stocked in many grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. It's typically found in the baking aisle or the gluten-free section.
Convenience: Buckwheat flour is ready to use and doesn’t require any additional preparation like soaking or grinding.
Popularity in Recipes: Many recipes that call for buckwheat (such as pancakes, muffins, and breads) use buckwheat flour as the main ingredient, making it a staple in kitchens where gluten-free or alternative flours are preferred.
Commercial Production: Buckwheat flour is produced commercially in larger quantities compared to whole hulled buckwheat groats, which are less commonly processed and distributed.

However, availability can vary depending on your location and local grocery stores. Whole hulled buckwheat groats may still be found in health food stores, specialty stores, or through online retailers that specialize in grains and whole foods.

If you're specifically looking for whole hulled buckwheat groats and are having trouble finding them locally, checking online retailers or specialty stores might be a good option. Some health food stores also offer bulk bins where you can purchase whole grains like buckwheat groats.

In summary, while buckwheat flour is generally more accessible due to its widespread availability and convenience, both options can usually be found with a bit of searching, depending on your location and shopping preferences.

The base recipe for buckwheat pancakes provides a solid foundation from which you can easily improvise and customize according to your preferences. Here’s a basic recipe that you can build upon:

Basic Buckwheat Pancake made with Buckwheat Flour Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of choice (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract (if using).
Combine and Rest: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and the leavening agents to activate.
Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.
Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, yogurt, or nuts.

Tips for Customization and Variations:

Add-Ins: Mix in extras like chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, or sliced bananas into the batter before cooking.
Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
Alternative Flours: You can blend buckwheat flour with other flours like oat flour or almond flour for a different texture and flavor profile.
Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk alternative and substitute oil for butter to make the pancakes dairy-free.
Texture: For a lighter texture, you can separate the egg and beat the egg white separately until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the batter just before cooking.

By starting with this basic recipe, you can experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own unique buckwheat pancakes that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy exploring and making these delicious pancakes your own!

Here's a basic recipe for buckwheat pancakes using hulled buckwheat groats instead of buckwheat flour. This recipe involves blending the groats to create a batter, which gives a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the pancakes:

Basic Buckwheat Pancakes made with Hulled Buckwheat Groats Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup hulled buckwheat groats
1 ripe banana
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

Prepare the Buckwheat Groats: Rinse the hulled buckwheat groats thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in water overnight or for at least 4 hours to soften. Drain and rinse again.
Blend the Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked buckwheat groats, ripe banana, milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Blend until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a little more milk.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the baking powder and baking soda to activate.
Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.
Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter into a round shape, if needed. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, yogurt, nuts, or additional honey or maple syrup.

Tips for Customization:

Texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend the batter less finely to retain some texture from the groats.
Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the flavor of the pancakes.
Nutritional Boost: Sprinkle in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts into the batter for added nutrition.
Dietary Adjustments: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a non-dairy milk and substituting oil for butter.

This recipe provides a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional pancakes, using whole hulled buckwheat groats for their nutritional benefits and unique texture. Adjust the sweetness and flavors to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy these wholesome pancakes for a hearty breakfast or brunch!