As part of training, ascetic monks observed abstention from the five main cereals or all grains but since this requirement did not apply to buckwheat and since buckwheat berries and buckwheat flour could be eaten uncooked, these items were regularly food for those trainee monks.
行者は修行の中に「五穀十穀」があるが、そばは該当せず、また火を使わなくても食する事ができる点を理由に、そばの実や粉を常備食としていた。