Buckwheat Groats do have a very unique flavor; they will be a bit earthy, nutty, and some slight bitterness is present as well. You don't need to rinse the groats, and toasting them slightly can mellow the flavor a bit.

Do I need to soak buckwheat?

All grains with the exception of brown rice, buckwheat and millet, need to be soaked for 12-24 hours. Buckwheat, brown rice and millet have low levels of phytic acid and only require 7 hours soaking time. ... You do not have to rinse the grains after the soaking time if you do not want to but you surely can.

Can you eat buckwheat without soaking?

Buckwheat groats can be eaten raw, however, as with most grains, they are best soaked, sprouted, or fermented for optimal digestion. If consumed raw, like in this buckwheat breakfast porridge, they need to be well soaked, rinsed, and strained before consumption.