Sunflower seeds

Description

Sunflower seeds are small, oval grains with a creamy-gray color and a mildly nutty, slightly sweet flavor with a subtle bitterness near the shells; when roasted, they develop a more intense, crunchy aroma. They are calorie-dense but nutritious — rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, protein, fiber, as well as vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins, which support heart health, skin, metabolic functions, and have antioxidant properties. In the kitchen, sunflower seeds pair well with salads, yogurts, and muesli, enhance bread, granola, spreads, and pesto, can be roasted as a healthy snack, or ground into creamy butter. To maintain freshness and aroma, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or longer in the refrigerator or freezer; roasting just before use will bring out the flavor.