Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers originated in the Western Hemisphere and were one of the earliest plants cultivated by the Native American tribes of North, Central and South America.  Sesame Seeds were a staple of the Native American diet for more than 5,000 years, believed to pre-date their use of corn, squash and beans.  Europeans inevitably discovered Sunflower Seeds in their New World explorations and brought the seeds back to Europe.

Once in Europe, the Sunflower seed travelled far and wide. Russia became the first place to create an agricultural hybrid of the sunflower plant. This agricultural hybrid, which is still used today, made its way back into the United States via Russian and German immigrants. The sunflower soon became an important crop for the mid-western part of the United States. By the 1950s, Sunflowers grown for their seeds and oil were one of the main crops grown in North Dakota and Minnesota. Today, the United States is third in the world in production of Sunflower Seeds, with sunflowers grown mainly in the Great Plains States from Minnesota all the way down to Texas.   Other countries producing significant amounts of Sunflowers and their seeds are Russia, Argentina, Peru, Spain, France, and China.  Occidental International Foods sells both domestic and imported Hulled Sunflower Seeds.

There are 2 categories of Sunflower Seeds: Confectioner’s Grade and Oil Grade. For the commercial market, the distinction between the two categories is made specifically on the outer hull color and size. Solid black-husked sunflower seeds have higher oil content, making them more favorable for pressing into oil. After being pressed for their oil, these seeds are typically used in animal feed. Sunflower Seeds with a black and white striped husk are Confectioner’s grade. They have lower oil content than the solid black-husked seeds and are slightly larger and easier to process for Hulled Seeds (where the outer husk has been removed).

Item 19420 Hulled Sunflower Seeds (Confectioner's Grade) 25 Kg (55.11 lbs) Net Wt