Easy recipe: Soba Tea

How do you start your day when you’re on lockdown? Let’s think about it. If you’re like me, you’re probably anxious enough without caffeine. You also probably want to conserve on your resources as much as possible. You could probably use some food-derived extra b-vitamins and minerals.

For centuries the Japanese have enjoyed the flavor of Soba Tea. Traditionally it is made with toasted whole buckwheat groats. Wheat was almost a dirty word for a while and buckwheat gets undo suspicion for its name.

I’m a fan of wheat and grains in general, but you can still love buckwheat even if you’re not. It is not wheat, not even a grain, but a seed.

Buckwheat happens to be one of the densest foods in an immune-enhancing bioflavonoid called rutin. You can also find rutin in citrus peels and bell peppers, but the amount in buckwheat is far above any other food source. It is also high in all of the b-vitamins, fiber, and magnesium. It even has a decent amount of resistant starch.

But the real point of this is that it tastes great as a beverage. The trick is the roasting. If it is not roasted enough there is not much flavor. If it gets burnt, it’s just bad.

I take 2 cups of buckwheat groats and pull out any debris or broken groats. Don’t rinse.

Heat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and get a rack ready for the middle. Put on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Put the grains in the oven and give them a shake every 10 minutes. The goal is to have them about this color.

It usually takes 30-40 minutes for them to be about right.

Once the groats are toasted, they can store for months in a dry air-tight container.

I like to make larger batches ahead of time. Whatever I don’t drink hot, I refrigerate it and it makes a really good ‘iced tea’. Normally I use 3-4 tbsp of groats per quart of water. Get the water to a low simmer, add the groats, and turn off the heat. Let steep for 5 minutes. If I’m just making a cup, then 1 tbsp is enough.

If you don’t have buckwheat groats, nearly any whole grain can work. Good options include:

• Barley (whole or pearled)
• Brown rice
• Rye berries
• Oat groats
• Hard wheat berries
• Spelt
• Kamut

You can even combine some of these for a new flavor.

Here is to a fresh start for your day,
Dr. C

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you now:

1. Download and use my Favorite Recipes Cookbook Here
2. Check out my podcast Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairytales Here
3. Come see one of my Doctors that specialize in Thyroid Care Here

Dr. Alan Glen Christianson (Dr. C) is a Naturopathic Endocrinologist and the author of The NY Times bestselling Adrenal Reset Diet and The Metabolism Reset Diet.

Dr. C’s gift for figuring out what really works has helped hundreds of thousands of people reverse thyroid disease, lose weight, diabetes, and regain energy. Learn more about the surprising story that started his quest.