Sunflowers

Did you know?

Sunflowers are more than just a pretty flower that the birds enjoy.

Sunflower seeds are highly nutritious. Mammoth Russian and Giant Single sunflowers are particularly high in protein.

If you grow your own sunflowers and would like to harvest sunflower seeds and save them, cut the flower head off when it has turned yellow or brown.

Store the flower head in a dry, well-ventilated place to allow seeds to dry for several weeks.

When the head has dried, just rub your hand over it and the seeds should fall out easily.

If you would like to save the seeds for replanting next spring, store them in a brown paper lunch bag or paper envelope in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in airtight containers as this can cause molding.

You can get a lot of seeds from one big sunflower head so if you have more than you need, you can keep the rest for roasting or for feeding birds over the winter.

To roast sunflower seeds, spread them in a layer on a baking sheet, and roast in a 350° F oven for 10-15 minutes.

If you like your sunflower seeds salty, some sources suggest mixing a quarter of a cup table salt to a quart of water, and soaking the seeds overnight before roasting.

Enjoy the flower that delights the eye, the birds and your taste buds.