Things You'll Need
Airtight container
Plastic freezer bag
Sunflower seeds are a popular snack food and they contain many important nutrients. The seeds are rich in protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, B and D. If you have sunflowers in your garden, harvest the seeds yourself and store them accordingly. You may also purchase sunflower seeds in bulk and store, depending on the type of seed. Unhulled seeds will typically store longer than hulled seeds.
Step 1
Store whole, hulled sunflower seeds in an airtight glass or plastic container. Place the container in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to three months before discarding.
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Step 2
Store whole, unhulled sunflower seeds for up to one year in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature and away from excess heat, light and moisture to extend the shelf life of the seeds.
Step 3
Place the container of hulled or unhulled sunflower seeds into the refrigerator anytime the indoor temperature rises above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Store year round in the refrigerator if you live in an extremely warm climate to prevent rancidity.
Step 4
Freeze sunflower seeds to extend their shelf life up to two years. Place the seeds into a plastic freezer bag, label with the contents and date, squeeze out as much air from the bag as possible, and then place into the freezer.
Step 5
Store roasted or chopped sunflower seeds at room temperature or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for one to two weeks. Processed seeds have a shorter shelf life than whole seeds. Watch them closely for signs of rancidity.
Tip
Check stored sunflower seeds before consuming to make sure they haven't gone rancid. Seeds that appear limp or yellow in color and have a strong odor have likely become rancid and inedible. Discard the seeds if you are unsure.
Allow frozen sunflower seeds to thaw for several hours in the refrigerator prior to consuming. Remove only the portions you need to keep the remainder of the batch as fresh as possible. Refreezing may cause freezer burn.
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