Buckwheat has no relation to wheat whatsoever. It is a plant related to rhubarb. Buckwheat is technically a fruit that is widely considered to be a grain. With the dehulled buckwheat, the hulls HAVE BEEN removed! You can eat buckwheat raw. Eating it without cooking or baking it beforehand is very healthy, because this way you get most of the nutrients from the pseudo cereal. It can be cooked like rice for salads and side dishes. For extra texture and crunch, they can be sprinkled over anything from salads to chili to your regular stovetop for oatmeal or cold cereal.