Hi, need to find some sunflower seeds that are best for snacking. Are there some that do not have to be hulled? If not where to find a machine to dehull them. Thanks. S. Wiggins

-- S.Wiggins (cardoongard13@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001

Answers

From: Rebecca's Garden site: http://www.rebeccasgarden.com/tips/items/98ihss11.htm Homemade Sunflower Seeds: Roast sunflower seeds. Cover the bottom of a sauce pan with seeds, add 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for two hours, Drain on a paper towel overnight. Bake on cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 25-40 minutes, until slightly brown.

From: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/kids/ag_literacy/article9.html If you haven't tried your hand at growing whopper-sized sunflowers, these babies are huge, and here's your chance to try them for free!

The Sunflower Farm had a bumper crop of sunflowers this year and once again they are offering one free packet of sunflower seeds per household. Additional packets are available for $1.

These are no ordinary seeds. They are an old variety that grows 8 to 20 feet tall and produce the biggest sunflowers you have ever seen. Send for them now while supplies last, and save them to plant this spring.

To receive a free packet (10 to 20 seeds) of sunflower seeds, and growing hints and ideas, send a long self-addressed stamped envelope, with two stamps, to Sunflower Farm, Box 629, Burgin, KY 40310.

From: The National Sunflower Association http://www.sunflowernsa.com/pubinfo/faq/index.asp#8

How are the hulls removed? What is chew & spit? Very carefully! Actually there are machines that have been developed, called impact dehullers, that do this job. Of course, many people such as baseball players and truckers, as well as folks of Asian or European decent, love to 'chew & spit.' In other words, they put the whole sunflower seed (with the hull) into their mouths and do their own hulling. These roasted and salted sunflowers are a very tasty snack and can almost become addictive. It sure beats chewing tobacco.

How many flowers or heads does the sunflower plant have? The cultivated sunflower has only one flower or head. But the wild cousins have multiple flowers and heads. These 'wilds' can be found growing in ditches and other areas throughout much of North America. Multiples of 20 and more heads are common. The 'wilds' are the genetic basis of today's domesticated sunflower. Do sunflowers have allergens? No, not to our knowledge.

Do sunflowers really follow the sun? When the plant is in the bud stage, it tends to track the movement of the sun across the horizon. Once the flower opens into the radiance of yellow petals, it faces east. No one knows why. However, it is likely a defensive response. Facing south or west could result in sun-scalding of seeds during very hot days.

When can I harvest my garden sunflowers? The heads will be ready to harvest when the back of the head has turned brown. In northern areas, this might be after the first killing freeze. In warmer areas, the plant will dry down naturally. Simply snip the head off the plant and rub the seeds out by hand. Remove any other plant debris.

How do I prepare my garden seeds for eating? Use your imagination in preparing this tasty morsel for a food dish. The only problem is removing the hulls by hand. You may want to invite your favorite neighbor or relatives for this project. It's a good time to pick up on the latest news while doing this mind-absorbing work. Once completed, your sunflower kernels are ready for your favorite recipe. Or you can roast the kernels in some hot sunflower oil and add your own concoction of spices. Your second choice is to prepare the seeds for the famous 'chew & spit' snack. Just cover whole seeds (with the shell) with salted water (1/4 to ½ cup salt to 2 qts. of water). Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours. Drain and dry on absorbent paper. You can also soak in salt water overnight before draining. Spread the seeds in a shallow pan. Roast in a 300 degree over for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Stir occasionally. Take out of oven and add 1 tsp. of melted butter or margarine to 1 cup of seeds. Stir to coat. Place on absorbent towel. Salt to taste. Now grab a spot on the back porch and do your thing.

-- Willy Allen (willyallen2@yahoo.com), February 28, 2001.