Sunflower Seeds
How to Select and Store Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are available as shelled or unshelled, raw, dry-roasted, salted, unsalted, etc. Some supermarkets have sunflower seeds in bulk bins or vacuumed packed bags. Try to always buy bulk bin items in a store with great sales and product turnover that will ensure the FRESHEST sunflower seeds. I also ask the produce person for a taste BEFORE PURCHASE! I have the great blessing of a Trader Joe's nearby and they provide vacuum packed bags for an inexpensive price.
Sunflower Texture
Sunflower seeds should be firm and crisp to the bite. If they are limp or soft, don't purchase them.
Additionally, avoid any seeds that appear pale yellow in color as they may be rancid.
Sunflower Aroma
Always smell sunflower seeds before adding them to a recipe to ensure that they are still fresh and have not spoiled since the last time you used them.
Sunflower Storage
Like all nuts and seeds, sunflower seeds have a high fat content and will be prone to rancidity, therefore it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in a cool pantry area.
I've read that sunflower seeds may also be stored in the freezer since the cold temperature will not greatly affect their texture or flavor, but I have never tried this since I have limited freezer storage.
Vegan Appetizers
Sunny Sunflower Seed Spread
I never enjoyed shelling sunflower seeds like my friends did in high school, but I did enjoy the flavor of sunflower seeds. It just wasn't worth all the effort to get to them. As an adult, I rediscovered sunflower seeds and incorporate them in entrees, salads and now a fresh tasting spread that can also be the base of a salad dressing.
Ingredients
1 cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
2/3 cup grape seed oil
1/3 cup lemon and/or lime juice, fresh squeezed
3/4 cup filtered water, alkaline water is best
1 teaspoon sea salt
Tools
2-cup Pyrex measuring cup
Vita-Mix or Blentec Blender
silicon spatula
4 cup storage container: glass jars work well
Preparation
The Sunflower Seeds
Before retiring for the evening, pour out 1 cup of raw sunflower seeds into a two cup measuring cup and fill with filtered water to the top.
The sunflower seeds will expand overnight and fill the two cup capacity.
In the morning, drain and rinse the expanded sunflower seeds till the water runs clear.
The Whirl
Pour the drained sunflower seeds into a Vita-Mix or Blendtec Blender and add all the ingredients: grape seed oil, lemon/lime juice, filtered water and sea salt.
Whirl the mixture till the contents are smooth and creamy… it will be the consistency of sour cream.
The Storage
Use a long handled silicon spatula to scrape the perfectly smooth Sunny Sunflower Seed Spread into whatever jar or container you choose and refrigerate immediately.
Presentation
Sunny Sunflower Seed Spread is fabulous on sandwiches, wraps or serve as a dip with a plate of freshly cut veggies. Pack it in a lunch or take for a picnic outing. The flavor is fresh and enhances whatever it is served with.
Sunny Sunflower Seed Salad Dressing
If you want a salad dressing, put about 1/2 cup of the Sunny Sunflower Seed Spread into a cup and add 1/8 cup filtered water to thin.
Whisk the contents until smooth and add a bit more filtered water if needed.
The dressing texture can be thick or thin depending on how much water is added.
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Copyright © 2004-2012 Betty A. Morgan | |