How to Roast Sunflower Seeds in the Shell

Roast sunflower seeds and store them for a tasty treat.

After you have enjoyed the sunny bloom of the sunflower, you can snack on it. Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack that anyone can grow in a yard or garden. Sunflower seeds are not just for birds, but also for anyone who enjoys treats with a nutty flavor. Roasting the seeds is a good way to preserve them so you can eat them for months to come. Roast several pans of seeds and store them in glass jars with lids. Give small bags of roasted seeds away to friends and family on special occasions.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. sunflower seeds
• Water
• Salt
• Colander
• Cookie sheets
• Glass jars with lids

Instructions

1. Pour two quarts of water in a large pot.

2. Add ½ cup of salt to the pot. Stir the pot to mix the salt with the water.

3. Add the seeds to the pot and let them sit overnight.

4. Pour the pot of water over the colander, straining the seeds from the water.

5. Preheat your oven to 300-degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the seeds on to a cookie sheet or sheets. Spread them out into a single layer with your hand.

6. Roast the seeds for 30 minutes. Stir the seeds about halfway through cooking.

7. Crack a seed and taste the meat after 30 minutes. If you like the taste, take them out. Add 10 more minutes to the cooking time if you like a deeper roasted flavor. Let the seeds cool completely before adding them to an airtight jar.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a teaspoon of powdered barbecue or taco seasoning to the jar. Shake it for flavored seeds.

References

• National Sunflower Association