The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a showy plant that can reach 2-3 meters.
Following this post, we'll discuss global sunflower seed production By country.
Don't miss not only the majestic size, but also the bright yellow corolla.
Sunflower seeds in the middle.
Sunflowers are annuals and bloom from June through early fall (September).
Because they are light-dependent, the flower's "head" or crown always rotates with the position of the sun.
Sunflowers are native to North and Central America.
Although it is particularly common in Canada and the United States, it is believed to originate from Mexico.
Native North Americans used this plant as an important food source long before corn and squash were grown.
There is evidence that sunflower seeds were first brought from the Americas to Europe in 1552. Old names for the sunflower are 'Great Indian Sunflower' and 'Phulus solis provianus'.
The sunflower gets its scientific name from the Greek god of the sun, Helios.
Cultivation, harvesting and processing of sunflower seeds.
Harvesting early, after the plants have reached physiological maturity, has many advantages.
However, due to the high moisture content of the beans at this time, the product cannot be stored.
Seeds must be dried for safe, long-term storage.
Acceptable seed moisture values depend on storage conditions (temperature, etc.) and expected shelf life.
For example, the moisture content of seeds may be 12% for temporary storage and 15% when properly frozen and aerated.
However, for long-term storage, the humidity should be less than 10%. Oily sunflowers should not be stored at humidity levels above 10% and 8% in winter and summer, respectively.
As a general rule, the more oil in the seeds, the lower the moisture level for better storage.
Sunflowers without oilseeds should not be stored above 11% in winter and 10% in summer.
Growers can dry seeds mechanically using bucket, batch and continuous dryers in natural air, at low and high temperatures to achieve desired seed moisture levels.
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Depending on initial humidity, airflow, and temperature, this process can take 3-6 weeks.
For drying sunflowers, be careful or avoid using operators used to drying corn and small seeds.
A drying temperature of 43 to 104°C (110 to 220°F) is generally preferred as it does not adversely affect the oil and fatty acid composition.
If the temperature is low, it will take longer to dry.
For sunflower candy, do not use extremely high temperatures that can damage the seeds.
When using the seeds as propagating material, temperatures below 110°F (43°C) should always be used.
