Sumptuous Meals With Sunflower Kernels And Seeds

Sunflower seeds and kernels are a popular snack and both can be a nutritious addition to your diet. The sunflower is a large flower native to North America and its seeds have been relied upon for many centuries by Native Americans as a vital source of nutrition.

Sunflower kernels are low in calories, sodium, and fat but high in protein making them a recommended meat substitute and also ideal for adding both bulk and flavor to foods.

Sunflowers are a beautiful and fascinating annual plant growing several feet in the air with showy, yellow heads comprised of numerous flowers resembling large petals. Because of their bright color, sunflowers are quite attractive to bees which pollinate them moving from flower to flower.

At maturity, about three months after the seedling appears, the heads of sunflowers droop downward due to the weight of the seeds but before that they seem to follow the sun, hence their name. Interestingly enough, sunflowers "move" to follow the sunlight in a process called nutation, a heliotropic movement that causes the stem of the flower to move the head toward the sun.

The largest of sunflower seeds grow up to an inch long and are usually sold with the shell still on. The medium sized seeds are shelled for their inner kernel, and the smallest of all seeds are used for bird and pet foods. Sunflower kernels are the result after the outer shell has been removed mechanically leaving the inner "meat" intact. The kernel can then be eaten raw or roasted as a snack or for a tasty addition to many recipes especially salads.

There are many ways to enjoy sunflower kernels. Sprinkle some on yogurt for texture and flavor or use them as an ice cream topping. Sunflower kernels can be added to baked goods including bagels, breads, cakes, crackers, and muffins or use them for topping hot cereals.

You can easily make granola bars or a trail mix with sunflower kernels, popcorn, nuts, raisins, or the ingredients of your choice. For an equally healthy treat, stir fry sunflower kernels along with your favorite vegetables or use them for topping a variety of pasta dishes. Toss sunflower kernels with salad greens and all sorts of vegetables for a sumptuous and filling salad using all types of dressings.

Best Ever Broccoli Salad Recipe

What You Need

4 cup broccoli florets1/2 cup carrots, shredded1/2 cup golden raisins1/2 cup sunflower kernels1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped1/2 cup purple onion, diced1 cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons red wine vinegar1/2 cup sugar

How to Make It

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli with the shredded carrots, golden raisins, sunflower kernels, chopped bacon, and the diced onion and mix well.

In a smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the red wine vinegar and sugar and mix well.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli salad and toss to coat well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Serves 4.

A flank steak marinade is perfect for tenderizing this tough but flavorful cut of meat which you can also cut into strips before marinating to fully allow the flavor to permeate the meat. A great steak marinade uses just the right amount of acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lime or lemon juice, or wine to tenderize the meat and bring about its natural flavors.

Easy Steak Marinades Help Make a Truly Mouthwatering Meal - EasySteakMarinades.net