Sunflower Seeds
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower seeds have been cultivated and harvested in the Americas for over 4000 years; before corn, beans and squash. Aztecs decorated their temples with sunflowers and priestesses wore headdresses and jewelry made from them. They also used the petals to make dye.
They are sold shelled or in their shelled, roasted, unroasted, salted, unsalted.
Seeds in the shell do not spoil as quickly, but shelled seeds are easier to eat. The oils in the seeds can turn rancid with time and exposure to heat and light, so they should be stored in a cool dark place.
Sunflower seeds are delicious eaten out of hand, sprinkled over salads or baked into cookies, cakes and bread.
Sunflower seeds may be eaten to internalize the energies of the Sun, warmth, joy, leadership, confidence, wisdom. Or to symbolize the seeding of new ideas.
Sunflower seeds are rich in Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and Vitamin E
Correspondences
Element(s): Earth Fire
Planet(s): Sun -
Zodiac Sign: Leo -
Season: Autumn
Sabbat: Autumn Equinox
Deities:
Gender: -
harvest, growth, rebirth, abundance, beginnings, confidence, leadership, loyalty, fertility, wealth
Recipes that contain Sunflower Seeds
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tell us about your experiments and experiences with this magical food.
