My harvest this year is estimated at about 12 pounds of seeds from about 12 large sunflowers. I process about 6 pounds or less at a time. For those on a salt free diet, simply roast the seed without boiling in salt water.
Processing the sunflower seeds is easy once the seeds are removed from the flower heads. Try to pick out any scraps from the flower head before boiling the seeds.
- Seeds from 6 sunflower heads, about 6 lbs.
- Large pot with 6 quarts water
- 1 lb. kosher salt
Bring the pot of water to a boil and add the salt. Next, add the sunflower seeds and boil for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. After boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and spread the wet seeds evenly on 2 or 3 baking pans. Place the pans on the center rack of the oven, preheated to 325 degrees. Roast the seeds for 60 minutes, stirring them every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Eat a few of the seeds after they cool. If they aren't crispy enough, roast them for an additional 20 minutes. I guarantee these will be the best sunflower seeds you have ever eaten. And, what I have found, is that these seeds don't get stale very easily. I've had some in a bowl on my table for 2 weeks and they are still as fresh and nutty as when they came out of the oven. There's nothing better than home made.
- Yields: 100 servings
- Preparation Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes