Sunflowers: Savoring the flavor of perfect seeds

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Sunflowers are usually ready to be harvested beginning in mid-September and running into October. Though seed heads can be allowed to ripen on the plant, they will need protection from birds.

Try covering the heads with a paper sack or cheesecloth once the petals start turning brown. A twist tie or rubber band can be used to secure the covering. This will not only help keep birds out but will prevent ripened seeds from dropping out of the head.

Check for maturity by looking for the following signs:

*Florets in the center of the flower disk (the brown center) should be shriveled.

*Heads should have turned down.

*The backside of the head should be a lemon yellow color.

*The ultimate check, of course, is to pull a few seeds to see if they have turned the traditional black with white stripes.

Empty shells usually indicate a lack of pollination earlier in the year. If you don't cover the heads, it would be best to harvest when a few seeds start turning the traditional color. The flavor will not be as high as with seed allowed to ripen on the plants but less seed will be lost.

Cut the heads and place in a paper sack. Some people prefer to cut the heads with about a foot of stem attached and then hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. A paper bag or cheesecloth can once again be placed over the heads to prevent any of the seeds from dropping during the drying process. A gentle rubbing will allow the seeds to be easily removed from dry heads.

Once the seeds are mature they may easily be prepared at home by covering unshelled seeds with salted water (2 quarts of water to 1/4 to 1/2 cup salt). You can then either bring to a boil and simmer two hours or soak in the salt solution overnight. Drain and dry on absorbent paper. Put sunflower seeds in a shallow pan in a 300 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Once out of the oven add 1 teaspoon of melted butter or margarine, or cooking oil per 1 cup of seeds; stir to coat. Place on an absorbent towel and salt to taste.

Extension Council Elections

Bourbon county citizens are welcome to vote for members of the Bourbon County Extension Council. Elections will be Sept. 19-21 and 24, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 24, 5 to 6 p.m., at the Bourbon County Extension Office in the courthouse. Bourbon County residents who are 18 years of age and older are encouraged to vote.

Twelve representatives in the program areas of agriculture, 4-H, family and consumer sciences, and economic development will be elected to serve on the Bourbon County Extension Council.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.