Harvest and roast the seeds the right way, we’ll show you how it’s done.
Oh, where is the camera when you need it?
By the time I had retrieved mine, the squirrel was already heading down the plant.
Elise Bauer
But that did get me thinking, why leave all the sunflower seeds to the squirrels?
The sunflower variety the squirrel was enjoying produces small seeds, too small for me to bother with.
This would be a fun activity to do with kids if you grow big sunflowers in your garden.
Elise Bauer
There is, but it requires expensive commercial machinery.
The good news is that in-shell, these seeds are hard to overeat!
You have to work for it.
Elise Bauer
to roast and eat.
They’ll be droopy, and the petals around the center will be dried.
The seeds should be clearly visible.
Elise Bauer
The best seeds for eating come from the larger varieties of sunflowers.
If squirrels and birds can get to these seeds, so can you!
These directions are for salted, roasted sunflower seeds.
Elise Bauer
If you don’t want them salted, just rinse them off and roast them.
Add more or less salt to taste, up to 1/4 cup kosher salt for 1 quart of water.
Bring to a boil.
Elise Bauer
Reduce to a simmer and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the water from the seeds and spread the seeds out in a single layer in a sheet pan.
Place in the preheated oven on the top rack and roast for 10 to 20 minutes.
Elise Bauer
Starting at about 10 minutes, I recommend taking a few out of the oven to test.
So as the time gets closer, keep an eye on it.
Simple Tip!
How did you like the recipe?
How do you roast your seeds?
Leave us a comment and tell us all about it!
