How Long Are Raw Sunflower Seeds to Be Soaked?

Instead of buying sunflower seeds at the store you can prepare your own.

Homemade sunflower seeds can be roasted at home in less than an hour. The soaking time needed to prepare the seeds for roasting depends on the method you use and the amount of time you have available.

Removing

Remove seeds from the bloom when the shell has turned black with variegated white stripes. Cut the flower head from the stem and remove the seeds by hand. If birds and other garden pests are a problem place a paper bag or pair of clean nylons over the bloom to protect the seeds.

Soaking

Place the seeds, shells and all, into a large pot of 2 quarts water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup salt, depending upon your preference. Bring the water to boil, and simmer for two hours, or allow the shells to soak in the water overnight. If you don't have much time, cover the seeds with boiling water for 5 minutes, and then drain.

Cooking

Dry the seeds on a stack of paper towels and roast the seeds in a shallow pan for 30 to 40 minutes, at 300 degrees, or until the seeds have turned a golden brown color. Remove from the oven and stir in 1 tsp. of butter for every cup of seeds. Cool the seeds on absorbent paper towels, and add salt to taste.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Harvesting & Handling Sunflowers
• University of Illinois Extension: My First Garden- Sunflowers

Resources

• University of Wisconsin Extension: Sunflower