The Japanese word “soba” refers both to the buckwheat plant as well as the noodles made from buckwheat flour. Soba is typically served in a hot aromatic broth topped with chicken, tempura prawns or a selection of vegetables or served cooled on an elegant bamboo tray with delicate dipping sauce.
Soba is one of the world’s most nutritious food and an abundant source of protein. Containing a well-balanced combination of amino acids, it has the highest protein make-up than any of the grains and is also rich in vitamin. Additionally, soba is low in fat and high in dietary fibre.
Soba’s long and slender shape has come to symbolise stability and longevity. It is traditional in Japan to eat soba (toshi-koshi soba) on New Year’s Eve to acknowledge the passing of the old year and to welcome in the new.