Sprouting Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower is a flowering plant of the genus, Helianthus and family Asteraceae, which is native to Central America. The dark gray or green colored seeds of the sunflowers can be eaten raw or roasted. The seeds usually remain enclosed in an oval-shaped black shell. Apart from their delicious nutty taste and tender texture and flavor, sunflower seeds are highly nutritious. The seeds are rich in vitamin B, E, essential fatty acids, proteins, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals like, zinc, selenium and magnesium. The nutritional value of the sunflower seeds is further enhanced, when the sprouting of the seeds begins.

When sprouting takes place, the enzymes present in the seeds activate the stored inactive nutrients, which makes the seeds a highly nutritious food. Sprouting seeds is quite easy and can be done in two ways. This can be done either in a jar or in soil, which are explained below.

How to Sprout Sunflower Seeds in a Jar?

You will need raw and organic hulled seeds. If you can't find such seeds, then use the regular raw seeds, provided they are not salted. Also make sure that they are removed from the oval-shaped shell. Next, you will need a glass jar with a wide mouth. Place the seeds in the jar and then soak them in water. Let the seeds soak in water for the whole night. Next day, rinse the seeds carefully, and pour off the water. Use a strainer to drain out the excess water, after which put the seeds back into the jar, cover the mouth with a light cloth and keep it in a cool place.

As the seeds sprout, the skin of the seeds will come out. Remove as many skin as possible by rinsing the seeds from time to time. Otherwise, the skin would spoil, which in turn can rot the sprouts. So, keep rinsing and draining the seeds every 4 to 5 hours. Sunflower seeds usually need 18 hours to sprout. Once they have sprouted, rinse them again to remove as many skin as possible and drain out the excess water completely. Otherwise, fungi or bacteria can grow easily in the humid environment of the jar. After rinsing properly, place the sprouted seeds in a dry canning jar with a tightly fitting lid, and store the jar in the refrigerator.

How to Sprout Sunflower Seeds in Soil?

Many people prefer to germinate sunflower seeds in soil instead of a jar. You will need light, organic and sterilized potting soil and a shallow container. First of all, soak the seeds in water, preferably lukewarm water for the whole night. Next day, drain the water and place them in the container filled with potting soil. Moisten the soil a bit before spreading the seeds. Cover the seeds with moist soil and wrap the container with a thin plastic. Use the kind of plastic that is usually used for wrapping food.

Keep the container in a warm and dark place and expose it to sunlight for about 2 to 3 hours a day. The seeds would sprout within 3 to 4 days. Once the sprouts have reached a height of eight inch, they are ready for harvesting. Use a kitchen scissor and cut the sprout close to the soil surface. Now water the container to obtain another harvest of sprouted sunflower seeds. Store the harvested seeds in the refrigerator.

The sprouted seeds can be eaten raw, added to salads and sandwiches or used for garnishing soups. They can provide you with several vital nutrients, and help to improve vision, lower blood pressure, reduce the level of blood cholesterol and the risk for heart attacks and stroke, improve digestion, enhance immune response, prevent migraine headaches and reduce the level of stress, besides boosting your energy levels.