Growing sunflowers is not difficult, assuming that your garden is not the home of many birds that enjoy sunflower seeds. You have several options how to use sunflower seeds – before birds get hold of them. Seed peeling doesn’t have to be difficult either, if you know how to do it, and we shall tell you all you need to know about sunflower seeds.

Peeling

Place sunflower seeds in a tall, slim container, but make sure that your handheld eggbeater fits inside. Mix the seeds using whisks that you use to make cream, for example. Do this three to four times for two to three seconds each time. This should crush the skins (note: seeds must be dry). Pour water in and mix lightly. Skins should float to the surface, where you can collect them. Peeled sunflower seeds will sink to the bottom of the container. Use a sieve to pour the water out and dry seeds completely.

Photo: Pixabay

Sunflower seeds are great in breads

You can add sunflower seeds to breads or other types of baked goodies. There are plenty of recipes on the internet, or you may use your favourite bread making recipe.

Sprinkle seeds on various pastries

Sweet or salty, it does not matter. Sunflower seeds are great in any dough for example, in muffins or any homemade pastry. Baked seeds are crunchy, tasty and will improve the overall appearance.

Great in salads

You can improve any vegetable salad if you add sunflower seeds! The texture and taste of any leafy salads will improve significantly. You can use raw seeds or you can fry them in olive oil with salt.

Great in pesto too

Sunflower seeds may be added to many dishes to improve the overall taste and appearance – for example, pesto. Instead of pine nuts, try using sunflower seeds in a basil pesto. Again, you can roast the seeds or use them raw (you can slowly roast them on a dry pan without any oil…).

Raw sunflower seeds

Raw sunflower seeds taste great too. Sure, you can add an additional punch if you fry or bake them in the oven. Adding salt, olive oil, or your own mixture of spices, (chilli spices for example) is optional.

Preview photo: Pixabay