What are PLOYES? You are about to savor a light buckwheat pancake we call PLOYES (rhymes with boys) that has been favored by the Bouchard Family for many generations! PLOYES, which are made with buckwheat flour, wheat flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and salt are extremely versatile and can be used as an elegant crepe, a hearty breakfast pancake/waffle, or a flat bread buttered and rolled and enjoyed with any meal. PLOYES are creating their own identity. From appetizers to main course, to desserts and snacks, they keep finding ways to make meals interesting. 
Our PLOYES mix closely follows the recipe created by the French speaking exiles who arrived in Northern Maine's St. John River Valley in the late 1700's. They had been deported from Acadia, also known as Nova Scotia, by the British as a result of their refusal to take an oath of allegiance to the British King.
The Bouchard Family PLOYES mix has pleased palates from Maine to California for many years. It is with much pride that they offer you a taste rich inculture and heritage.

Silverskin buckwheat, which requires 10 to 12 weeks to mature, is well suited in this northern region. It is a resilient plant that grows well without the use of pesticides. This type of buckwheat produces a 4 sided seed (looks like a small version of the beechnut) which botanically speaking is NOT a grain , but a fruit, related to the rhubarb plant. Therefore buckwheat flour is gluten- free, which makes it an excellent alternative for those with special dietary restrictions.
Buckwheat provides a rich source of complex carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and high quality protein. It is digested more slowly thus a meal containing buckwheat leaves you feeling full longer, curbing the urge to snack..
Harvested in early September, the buckwheat seed is dried to remove any excess moisture and stored in silos. It is milled on the premises, as needed. In 1997, a 24,000 square foot building was erected to house the entire operation. Alban Bouchard and his son Joe found the dismantled mill in Canada and took one year to piece it together to make it operational. While piecing it together, they discovered a label stating that it was last repaired in 1892. Today we accept the challenge to insure that this important part of our culture remains alive for future generations.