How Are Sunflowers Prepared For Consumption?

Sunflower seeds are a versatile and delicious snack food that can be eaten alone, mixed with dried fruit, added to salads, or used in place of nuts for baking. To prepare sunflower seeds for eating, follow these steps:

1. Harvest sunflower heads when they are fully mature.
2. Look for the tiny kernel inside the outer shell. To expose the kernel, gently pry a seed in your mouth.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
5. Spread sunflower seeds in a single layer on the baking sheet.
6. If you have learned how to harvest sunflower seeds, you can now prepare them for eating.

To roast and salt sunflower seeds, place 1 cup of raw sunflower seeds in a quart of water with 2 to 4 tablespoons of salt. Rinse the seeds well and bring them to a boil. Drain the seeds in a colander for a minute or two. Some people skip brining sunflower seeds and roast them on a cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, but salting and roasting improves their flavor and texture.

In summary, sunflower seeds are a versatile and delicious snack food that can be enjoyed by both homegrown and gardeners. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of sunflower seeds and enjoy the beauty of their vibrant blooms.