Activated Chocolate Caramelized Buckinis

Ever scroll through Instagram and see all these amazing, mouth watering, parfaits and smoothies that are filled to the brim with absolute deliciousness? Then when you get to the ingredients on how to make such creations you see “buckinis” and think to yourself WTF is that? Well, join the club because I thought the same thing when I first came across these gems a while back. I remember when I first heard of them I was like ok I need these in my life like now so obviously I went to Google for the answer (because Google knows everything, show off) just to find they were mostly sold overseas in Australia. Which by the way I love that country, they are so health conscious. I just want to make it to one Gold Coast market. Anyway…

What are Buckinis?

Obviously they have something to do with buckwheat right, so they are buckwheat groats. What is a groat? It is a hulled or crushed grain, but in this case this is a fruit seed. Much like quinoa, buckwheat groats are not a cereal grain but a seed, which makes them, ah-ha you guessed it, gluten free! Even those with a sensitive stomach can digest these beauts.

So What are Activated Buckinis?

Activated buckinis are groats that have been soaked for 24 to 48 hours to get them sprouted. When seeds like groats are sprouted it makes for a more easily digestion process where your body can flourish. Groats have digestive enzymes that enable our bodies to really absorb the nutrients this super seed has to offer. Without activation, the phytic acid (storage form of phorphorusin plants) will block those digestive enzymes and most essential vitamins and minerals. When phytic acid is not released we lose the ability to absorb any nutrients from seeds, grains, nuts and, even legumes. That’s why overnight oats are amazing because when you leave the oats in the fridge over night to soak in almond milk or whatever you prefer, you’re releasing that acid. By the time morning comes and you take that first spoonful of goodness, you’re not being blindly robbed of the vitamins and minerals. Same with buckinis.

After activation (which is a very easy yet lengthly task), and your seeds are sprouted, by consuming them you are aiding in a healthy gut and by gut I don’t mean beer belly gut, I mean the very gut deep within us that is not “fat”, but empowering and brilliant. Our gut is our second brain. Through the gut is where important signals are sent to the brain. Without this functioning properly we can begin to feel sluggish, disoriented, fatigued, have what is called “brain fog” or cloudy thinking. Just think of all the functions your body performs on a regular basis, all these are signals from your gut letting your brain know what to do. So do yo see where I’m going with this? When our GI tracks, stomach, and intestines are not healthy to their fullest potential, it can leave us vulnerable to a multitude of disease and ailments in which I know we much rather live without.

Buckwheat in general is a great source of protein, magnesium, vitamins c, e, and b, fiber, leaving them high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. Magnesium, as talked about in my Single Serve Pumpkin Pie, is most valuable at calcium absorption. Without magnesium or a diet lacking the required daily intake, the body will not absorb proper calcium intake either. Calcium needs magnesium as it does vitamin d. Good lord I’m just a boatload of information today! Well now you know in depth why activating seeds are good for you but super delish at the same time. 😉

This is a very inexpensive way to make your own buckinis. Have you ever seen the price of one bag, plus shipping costs? It can make ya sweat. This on the other hand requires some work on your end, but for a little over 4 bucks of a huge bag of buckwheat groats, that double when soaked, it’s well worth it to me. And as I mentioned, there’s really not much on your end to do besides wait.

This version of Activated Chocolate Caramelized Buckinis remind me of the little chocolate crunchies the Carvel ice cream cakes have. Remember Carvel?! Ahhh them bitches be bad for ya. (Hmmm…future possible healthy recipe in the making, ice-cream cake with buckinis, thanks self). Ok so groats are a thing, and you need to go now…go now my friends and venture off into the world of buckinis so you will land that butt in a bikini (or a super cool one piece) come summer. Who’s with me?

Suggested use of buckinis:

Top off smoothies, parfaits, salads, and anything else you want to add a little extra crunch to. This is a chocolate caramel version but feel free to get creative and prepare them in any flavor you like. It’s pretty simple.

Recipe for Buckinis and the delighted parfait pictured are below. 🙂

Recipe adapted from Healthyeah.co.nz

Print Recipe

Yield: 3 cups

Activated Chocolate Caramelized Buckinis

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 24-48 hours

Total Time: 1-2 days

The perfect snack that's high in antioxidants, all essential amino acids, and a great way to get your daily dose of fiber. Enjoy this crunchy delight with your favorite morning cup of non dairy yogurt and fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw buckwheat groats
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tsp vanilla powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp maca powder
• 2 tbsp mesquite powder
• a few pinches of himalayan pink rock salt
• 6-8 tbsp maple syrup or honey if not vegan

Directions:

Activating Buckwheat

1. Start the activation process in the morning by covering the 2 cups of buckwheat groats with water.
2. Let soak overnight and in the morning, rinse and drain well. It will have a slime on them much like quinoa so be sure to rinse it well.
3. Place back in jar and fill again with water, letting soak for another 8 hours.
4. Once completely sprouted, drain and rinse well again. Be thorough. If you don't rinse well it can have a bitter taste to it. We want to avoid that so rinse rinse and rinse!

Putting it all together

1. Place activated buckwheat in a large bowl.
2. Add all ingredients and mix very well, covering all the sprouted groats. No groat gets left behind!
3. I do not have a dehydrator so what I did was I put my oven on the lowest setting and with the door slightly ajar, I put them in for 8 hours to dehydrate. If you have a dehydrator, set to 40 degrees and leave overnight. They will be done in the morning.
4. Once all is good and ready, use your deliciously chocolate caramelize buckinis in smoothies, parfaits, salads, as a "cereal" and anything else you wish to have some crunch on. Enjoy!

You can find Buckwheat Groats at your local health food store, WholeFoods, or online.