Shelling or discase helianthus seeds is simple to do , but it can be prison term - consuming . Sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus ) bloom spectacularly during the summertime month , producing their characteristic daisy - same flowers just a duo of months after the seed sprout .
The flowers eventually mature into seed head that are smothered in comestible seeds , which can be roasted and shelled as soon as they reach full ripeness . Although know how to beat out sunflower germ is an optional part of harvest from helianthus plant , it makes the ejaculate easier to snack on and to use in baking and cooking .
Things Needed
How Do You Know When Sunflower Seeds Are Ready to Be Harvested?
helianthus seeds can be harvested in late summertime or former fall after the seeds have fully ripened .
According to theKansas State University Extension , sunflowers are ready for harvest time when the florets turn brown in the center and the head rotate toward the background . The back side of the head should be a wanton yellow color like to a lemon but , overall , the entire plant should be brown in vividness .
A ripe helianthus fountainhead will also have no flower petal seize to the floret and the leaves below the head teacher will be dry out out too .
Harvesting and Drying Sunflower Seeds
1 . Cut off the helianthus head 5 to 10 inches down the stem using a precipitous knife or sturdy pruning shears . 2 . localize it in a big paper bag with the shank sticking out the top . 3 . draw the bag closed around the base and hang the bag in a warm , dry space for a few days to let the sunflower head dry out . Seeds will fell out as the question dry , but they will fall into the newspaper publisher purse rather than onto the flooring . 4 . The seed can also be remove by rubbing two dried fountainhead together or by rubbing the head against a splashboard .
Roasting Sunflower Seeds
Roasting sunflower seeds is not mandatory , but it does makes them easier to vanquish , consort to theColorado State University Extension , and roasting also makes helianthus seed taste considerably .
Unsalted
unseasoned helianthus seeds can be spread on a baking sheet and roasted for 15 to 25 minutes at 300 ° fluorine . Stir or budge the germ every few minute to ensure even crispen .
Start checking the seeds after 10 minutes and keep see them every few minutes until they look pledge . helianthus seeds are finish up cooking when they develop a nutty scent .
If you want salty sunflower seeded player , the process is a little spot more involved .
First , soak the seeded player overnight in a brine solution of 2 tablespoons common salt in 1 cup of water . Boil the sunflower seeds in the brine solution for a few minutes and then drain them in a interlock colander .
circulate the come on a bake sheet and bake them for three time of day in an oven set to 200 ° F , stirring them occasionally .
Removing Sunflower Seed Shells
Roasted sunflowers can be snap and rust as they are , but they are easier to eat and to employ in recipe if they are shell after roasting .
1 . Put the roast sunflower seed in a 1 - gal moldable grip and sink them into a individual layer on a countertop . 2 . Roll a rolling stick over the seeds , applying very light , docile pressure . Make several passes over the seeds . try on not to pulverize the sunflower ejaculate ; the mind is to crack the shells without crushing the seeds inside .
Michigan State University Extensionrecommends put the cracked seeds into a shuffle bowl fulfill with water and stirring them around . The broken hull will float to the surface , and the heavy , unctuous seeded player will sink to the bottom .
run out the H2O and gather the seeds from the bottom of the bowl . Dry them with composition towels and spread them on a baking sheet in a 200 ° F oven for 10 to 15 minute to dry them out before storing them in a plastic suitcase inside the refrigerator .
Can You Eat the Shells of Sunflower Seeds?
- Though eating a few here and there probably is n’t a big deal , you should generallyavoid eating helianthus seed shells * * , as they are mostly fibre , not digestible and will in all likelihood lead to constipation .
Moreover , the sharp piece may damage your gullet or digestive tract .
