08/20/2026
It all began with pancakes.
Long before Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat became part of Big Bold Health, Sam and Lucia B**r were growing, milling, and experimenting with buckwheat in the small town of Angelica, New York.
The couple moved to Angelica in 1975 to start a dairy farm, eventually becoming part of the local food community through seasonal markets, homegrown produce, and their Angelica Mill. Buckwheat pancakes became a staple and their curiosity about this resilient plant kept growing.
While looking for ways to improve their common buckwheat crop, Sam and Lucia discovered something different: Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat (HTB)
At the time, there was virtually no commercial market for it. But they saw its potential and chose to grow, mill, and preserve the crop themselves.
That decision became part of a much bigger story.
Today, Sam and Lucia have retired from farming, but their contribution lives on. Big Bold Health continues the Angelica Mill legacy, and Sam remains a valued consultant as we work to bring this extraordinary ancient plant and its remarkable phytonutrient diversity to more people.
Some of the biggest ideas start with curiosity. This one happened to start with pancakes.