When did sunflower seeds come out?

By the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed found its way into the US. By 1880, seed companies were advertising the ‘Mammoth Russian’ sunflower seed in catalogues. This particular seed name was still being offered in the US in 1970, nearly 100 years later.

Where did sunflower seeds originate from?

Sunflowers originate from North America but would travel to the Old World and back – and back again – in their centuries old journey to become the plant we know today. They were probably one of the first crops to be grown in the Americas. Before this they were picked by hunter gatherers as a natural source of fat.

Who invented eating sunflower seeds?

It is thought to have been domesticated around 1000 B.C. by Native Americans. Spanish explorers brought the sunflower to Europe in 1510. However, it was not until the late 1800s when the flower was introduced to Russia that the sunflower became a food crop.

How old is the sunflower?

Sunflowers have a long history. Remains of sunflower seeds found in ar- chaeological digs in North America date them as nearly 3,000 years old. There are many of different varieties of sunflower, but the most common form is bright yellow, with dark brown centers filled with seeds.

Where did the sunflower seeds first come from?

Sunflower seeds have been rolling around for a long time. Research indicates that they were first found in the Americas and were domesticated around 1000 B.C. Native Americans used the sunflower plant and its seeds for eating, oil production and also dye pigment.

How did the sunflower plant become so popular?

The plant became widespread throughout present-day Western Europe mainly as an ornamental, but some medicinal uses were developed. By 1716, an English patent was granted for squeezing oil from sunflower seed. Sunflower became very popular as a cultivated plant in the 18th century. Most of the credit is given to Peter the Great.

What did the Spanish use the sunflower seed for?

The oil of the seed was used on the skin and hair. The dried stalk was used as a building material. The plant and the seeds were widely used in ceremonies. This exotic North American plant was taken to Europe by Spanish explorers some time around 1500.

Why are sunflower seeds important to North America?

It has a bigger middle than the wild ones, and bigger seeds. Sunflowers, like olives in Ancient Greece and West Asia and North Africa, became an important food for people in North America, because of the fat they provided. As far south as southern Mexico, the Aztecs also ate a lot of sunflower seeds.

Why you should start planting sunflower seeds?

One of the many reasons people plant sunflower seeds is because of the incredible health benefits of fresh sunflower sprouts . It is highly nutritious and is packed with proteins. If you are trying to lose weight, sunflower shoots are perfect for you. . The shoots are low in calories and are also rich in antioxidants.

What are some foods made from sunflower seeds?

Unshelled sunflower seeds are a popular snack, while shelled varieties can be eaten by the handful or added to any number of foods, such as trail mix, salads and baked goods .

Why are sunflower seeds so healthy?

Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may contribute to cancer. Low in cholesterol, the seeds are a good source of pantothenic acid , phosphorus , copper, manganese and selenium.

What does sunflower seeds do to your skin?

Support The Health Of Your Skin . Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E , which plays an integral role in skin health and maintenance. Vitamin E reduces oxidative damage to skin cells caused by UV rays, helps to reflect some of them, and helps keep your skin looking youthful.