10/26/10 Sunflower Power
Photo By: S. Duquet
I have noticed at the outdoor markets we frequent that several vendors have been selling huge, worn out looking sunflowers. Everytime I see them I have silently wondered….what in the world do you do with that Jurassic looking giant?
I finally asked someone in the know and learned the most amazingly obvious yet shockingly unknown fact….that is where the seeds are.
The entire middle of the head of the sunflower is packed with rows and rows of sunflower seeds. People purchase these tired looking heads to indulge in exquisitely fresh Sunflower Seeds in their most raw and glorious state. I have never seen this before and it felt like being the first to discover that water was wet. I momentarily felt silly for not already knowing where the seeds came from but then quickly realized..who cares? Now you can share where to get the freshest and craziest looking sunflower seeds with anyone that does not already know.
Photo By: S. Duquet
Because the rows of seeds are so tightly packed, the first few are difficult to pry out of the bunch. Once you work a few out, the rest can literally be rubbed right off of the flower head. Plucking the seeds off of this giant thing is positively riveting. It made me feel like a hunter gatherer without the hunt. just the gather.
I have to admit that the desire to roast them and dust them in sea salt is almost overwhelming, but the beauty of their raw state does not escape me. They are perfectly perfect because they are like a fresh pea that has been lovingly plucked out of its protective pod. Amassing enough of those to fill a bowl would be a labor of love. Same goes for the seeds. You don’t shovel these in with a cold beer. You savor them one by one like an edible treasure.
Once you have had your fill of seeds in the buff, here is a tasty suggestion for the remainder of your raw seeds.
Throw your (out of the shell) sunflower seeds into the blender or spice grinder with flax seeds, sesame seeds, cayenne, garlic and any other spices you love. Pulse until ground to create a craveable sprinkle for just about anything edible. How delish would that be on popcorn with a spritz of lime? Yum.
Remember to keep posting any and all comments to be entered to win the Go Vegan Week prize pack. Feeling too shy to post but would still like to win…email me at: Sherry@ExploitsOfaVeganWannabe.com with Vegan Week in the subject line.
Have a delicious day.
Raw seed sprinkle inspired by: VegParadise.com
Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, healthy snacking, raw seeds, raw sunflower seeds, sunflower seeds, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan recipe, vegan wannabe
