sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds boast a mild nutty taste, thanks to which they make for the perfect addition to both sweet and savoury recipes. You can also enjoy them on their own as a healthy and nutritious snack. Whether you choose a peeled or unpeeled version, your health will no doubt appreciate it. They boast a rich content of healthy fats, dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and other nutrients. They’re the best in their natural state, but if you’re a fan of more salient flavours, you can always find them roasted or salted.

Sunflower seeds are also used to produce sunflower oil. The refined sunflower oil is suitable for heat treatment, while cold-pressed sunflower oil is excellent for use in cold cooking. What’s more, they can be used as a protein source to enrich your diet, particularly when enjoyed in the form of sunflower seed protein powder. This is particularly appreciated by vegans and other lovers of plant-based eating. 

How to include sunflower seeds in sweet dishes?

The mild flavour of sunflower seeds is perfect for incorporating them into recipes that utilise more intense-tasting sweet ingredients. You can use them to enrich your breakfast cereal porridge, yoghurt or quark bowls, topped off with some fresh fruit. In case you’re in need of a quick and tasty snack, add them to a fruit salad, or create your own trail mix together with some nuts and freeze-dried fruit. 

Sunflower seeds won’t go to waste when baking sweet pastries, either. They’ll stand out beautifully in a loaf of banana bread, muffins, as well as homemade granola or muesli. What’s more, you can always add them to the batter for any Bundt cake or other cake or pie recipes you enjoy preparing. 

How to include sunflower seeds in savoury dishes?

Sunflower seeds also stand out in savoury dishes. This is why they’re a popular choice of topping when finishing off veggie salads or risotto. What’s more, they’ll leave an impression when added to delicious homemade spreads or a unique-tasting pesto, which can be mixed and flavoured according to your own taste. 

If you’re looking for a savoury snack, try sprinkling them over puff pastry sticks or rolls, or a delicious slice of quiche. They’re also suitable for any homemade baked goods, and even for low-carb seed bread. 

If you’d like to learn more about the use and benefits of sunflower and other types of seeds, make sure to read our article:  Which Seeds Are Most Nutritious, and What Health Benefits Do They Offer?