Raw Sunflower Seeds

[CORY110]

Does anyone know how to prepare sunflower seeds fresh from the plant ie: seasoning and roasting ? Thanks

[twobd2pmp]

Sunflower seeds are usually left on the flower to dry. The flower may have to be wrapped with cheesecloth to prevent the birds form eating the seeds.

To roast sunflower seeds, place a single layer of raw dehulled kernels in a shallow pan. Roast in a 300 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until brown and crisp. Stir occasionally. Remove from the oven. One teaspoon of melted margarine may be added if preferred for each cup of seeds, stirring to evenly coat. Place the seeds on absorbent paper. Salt to taste. Store in tightly covered container.

For salted in the shell seeds, cover unhulled seeds with salted water in the amount of 2 quarts of water to ¼ to ½ cup salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours. Drain and dry on absorbent paper. Seeds can also be soaked overnight instead of boiled. Proceed as for roasted kernels mentioned earlier.

[adrenaline]

cool. I just buy the bag! =)

[hey_its_me]

get them before the birds do! when birds are beginning to show interest,they are mature enough.Cut the heads off leaving a bit of stalk for a handle-hang them to dry where the birds or mice can't get to them & allow plenty of time for the stalk & head to dry . Then pop a few into the oven leaving the door open & roast lightly so that they are easy to roll out of the head with your thumb. That's the next step-once you have them out of the head,moisten with a salt solution (if you like them salted)then roast in an open oven on cookie sheets until you have them the way you like. This takes a little experimentation as you'll find that it's too easy to over cook them - they also roast up a lot as they cool down on the cookie sheet(heat retained inside the shell?)Cool down & store in glass jars.

-- found on another site, hope it helps