Sunflower Seeds – YSA Ingredients

Sunflower seeds come from the large head of the sunflower flower. Each sunflower head can grow to about 12 inches in diameter and can produce up to 2,000 seeds. These seeds are graded according to size and separated into groups. Large seeds are sold in stores to be eaten in the shell. Medium-sized seeds are usually hulled and sold without their shells. The smallest sizes are used for the bird and pet feed market. Today, a large percentage of sunflower seeds are used to make unsaturated oil for cooking.

Common Inshell Sizes

10, 8, XT, 24, 22, 19-20

Kernel Grades

Premium, Confection (US#1), Bakery

Forms

Inshell sunflower and sunflower kernels can be raw or oil-roasted (with or without salt).

Harvest Time

September- October

Common Growing Areas

Russia, China, India, Argentina, France, United States, and Eastern European countries.