Which Type of Sunflower Seed Is Best for Sprouting?

Hulled and Nonhulled Seeds

• Sunflower seeds for sprouting come either hulled or nonhulled. Hulled sunflowers are still in their shells and are easier to sprout. Nonhulled sunflowers can also be sprouted, but larger, striped shells need to be removed before the sprout is consumed. Small black shells produce the best results when sprouting nonhulled sunflower seeds.

Considerations

• Sunflower seeds contain a wealth of nutrients that multiplies during germination and are an easy way to increase the nutritional level of your diet. Although seeds can be purchased at gardening centers, be aware that some seeds meant for growing in the garden have been treated with chemicals during packaging. Check package labels or buy your sunflower sprouting seeds from a health food store to ensure safety from commercial chemicals.

Uses

• Sunflower sprouts serve an array of purposes in food preparation, including being consumed on their own or added to lettuce and other sprouts in a fresh salad. Sunflower sprouts are healthy when served raw. They can also be added to casseroles, soups or egg dishes. Try adding sunflower sprouts, along with other sprouts, to a vegetable sandwich or in place of lettuce on a turkey or ham sandwich. Place sunflower sprouts as an edible garnish on a dinner plate, or add them to bread recipes.

Sprouting Your Own

• Several methods can be used to sprout sunflower seeds at home. A common way of sprouting sunflower seeds is in a linen sprouting bag, which can be made at home or purchased. You can also sprout seeds in shallow containers filled with potting soil. All sunflower seeds, whether hulled or nonhulled, need to be soaked overnight before growing and then rinsed every day to keep them moist. Harvest sprouts in eight to 12 days. Consume the sprouts immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, advised University of Wisconsin horticulture professor H.C. Harrison.