The sunflower seeds we eat come from the black oilseed variety of the sunflower plant. The scientific name for this type of sunflower is Helianthus annuus. Sunflowers are native to North America, and the black oilseed variety was first domesticated by Native Americans in Mexico about 3,000 years ago.
Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers in the world. They are beautiful, cheerful, and easy to grow. But where do sunflower seeds come from?
Most people think that sunflower seeds come from the big flower heads that we see in gardens and on roadside shoulders. However, these flower heads are actually just for show. The real sunflower seeds are much smaller and hidden inside the head.
If you take a closer look at a sunflower head, you’ll see that it is made up of small florets arranged in a spiral pattern. Each floret contains one seed, which is surrounded by a thin layer of edible tissue called an elaiosome. When birds or other animals eat the elaiosomes, they also ingest the seed inside.
This helps to disperse the sunflower seeds far and wide so that new plants can sprout up in new areas.
So next time you see a beautiful field of sunflowers, remember that each one started out as a tiny seed carried by wind or animal to its current location. And who knows?
Maybe someday your own backyard will be home to a glorioussunflower!
Contents
🌻Harvesting sunflower seeds!🌻
Where Do Sunflower Come from
Sunflowers are native to North and South America, and were first cultivated by the Native Americans. The Spanish brought sunflowers to Europe in the 16th century, where they became a popular decorative plant. Sunflower seeds were introduced to China in the 18th century, where they are now a common food crop.
Credit: thekidshouldseethis.com
How Do You Get Seeds from a Sunflower?
Assuming you want to grow sunflowers from the seeds of an existing sunflower:
The process is actually quite simple. Just wait for the flower to die and then cut off the head.Inside the head, you will find a black center full of seeds. These are your sunflower seeds!
Can I Just Pull the Sunflower Seeds Out to Harvest Them?
No, you cannot just pull the sunflower seeds out to harvest them. The sunflower seeds are encased in a hard shell that needs to be cracked open before you can eat them. There are a few ways that you can go about doing this.
One way is to use a hammer or other blunt object to crack open the shell. Another way is to place the sunflower seed in your mouth and bite down on it until the shell cracks open. Once the shell is cracked open, you can then remove the seed from the shell and enjoy!
How Did Native Americans Use Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds were an important part of the diet of Native Americans. The seeds were eaten raw, roasted or ground into a flour that was used to make breads and other baked goods. Sunflower oil was also used for cooking and as a lamp oil.
The sunflower was also a symbol of fertility and was often planted near dwellings to encourage a good harvest.
Can You Eat Raw Sunflower Seeds Straight from the Flower?
If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious snack, raw sunflower seeds are a great option. You can eat them straight from the flower, or you can buy them pre-packaged at most grocery stores. Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium.
Just a handful of sunflower seeds can give you a boost of energy and help you stay full until your next meal.
Conclusion
Sunflowers are beautiful flowers that have been cultivated for centuries. The seeds of sunflowers are used in many different ways, from being a nutritious snack to being used in oil and cosmetics. But where do sunflower seeds come from?
The answer may surprise you – sunflower seeds come from the sun! Or more specifically, they come from the center of the sunflower itself. The seed is encased in a hard shell that protects it from the intense heat of the sun.
Once the flower blooms and starts to wilt, the seed will fall to the ground and start to germinate. If you want to grow your own sunflowers, all you need is a sunny spot in your garden and some patience! In just a few weeks, you could be enjoying your very own home-grown sunflowers.