SUNFLOWER SPROUTS AND GREENS - PART 1
by Tom Billings


As there is some confusion regarding terminology, it is best to begin by
specifying sunflower sprouts as hulled sunflower seeds that have been soaked
and sprouted for a day or so. Sunflower greens are the baby plants that result
when unhulled seeds are grown in soil, generally for 7-8 days.

One can think of the sprouts as pre-digested seeds. Unsprouted sunflower seeds
are high in  fat and protein. However, sprouting activates the seed, with many
changes as it sprouts: dramatic increase in enzyme levels, seed fats are
converted to essential fatty acids and carbohydrates, proteins are converted to
essential amino acids and/or sugars, and vitamin levels (on a dry basis)
increase substantially.  Further, as the seed sprouts its flavor is enhanced -
sunflower sprouts have a mild, earthy flavor and are very popular.

While the sprouts are pre-digested seeds, the greens are a tender baby
vegetable, high in chlorophyll, and a substitute for lettuce.  Sunflower greens
have a slightly salty taste that some compare to watercress. They are rich in
chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, proteins, and the most important "nutrient",
the life force.  Some writers report the greens are a rich source of lecithin
and Vitamin D.  Additionally, unlike most expensive freeze-dried supplements
such as spirulina and algae, sunflower greens that you grow are alive up to the
time you eat them.

Sunflower greens are a delicious addition to salads. Additionally, they can be
juiced and used in green drinks or added to carrot juice.  If you find the juice
too strong by itself, you can mix it with celery juice or fennel juice (can
juice green fennel tops).

Information on producing sunflower sprouts and greens is in Part 2 of this
article.  If you have never tried sunflower sprouts or greens, I suggest you
try them - you might like them!

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SUNFLOWER SPROUTS AND GREENS - PART 2
by Tom Billings


Part 1 of this article provided general information on sunflower sprouts and
greens. This part will focus on how to produce these living foods.

Sunflower sprouts are produced using the methods one would use for most seeds.
Begin with hulled seeds, soak overnight in water. Then drain off the loose inner
hulls (important!), and put the soaked seed in the sprouting environment - jars,
cloth, or commercial sprouter, for about 1 day.  Removing the inner hulls is
very important, as if left in, they will spoil and ruin your batch of sprouts.
The sprouting environment can be glass jars with plastic screen lids (propped up
at 45 degree angle), or the seed can be placed between damp cotton washcloths,
on flat-bottomed bowls or saucers.

Sunflower greens can be grown indoors, without soil (in jars or trays). However
for highest nutrient/life force content, it is suggested that they be grown in
soil, and in natural sunlight (or full spectrum grow lights). They can be grown
in soil on cafeteria trays, non-aluminum baking trays, or better still, the
plastic trays used by plant nurseries for growing seedlings. For soil, most
people use commercial soil or soil/peat mixes. It is suggested that you add a
small amount of rock dust (including lime), and/or kelp powder, to the soil to
enhance mineral content.

Now to plant the greens: starting with unhulled sunflower seeds grown for human
consumption (not for bird feed), soak the seed overnight, then put them in the
sprouting environment for 2 days, or until the roots just start to emerge from
the hulls. Then transfer the seeds to a soil-filled flat. Spread seeds evenly on
top of soil; do not cover with soil. Water flat, cover with an empty flat, leave
for 2 days. Then uncover seedlings and expose to light. Water daily; the greens
will be ready generally on day 7 or 8 (where soaking of seed is day 1).  Be sure
to harvest before the 2nd set of leaves emerges, as they get very astringent
and are unpalatable after that.  To harvest, cut greens from tray with scissors,
and remove any hard hulls that remain on the greens.

Sunflower seed sprouts and greens can be a nutritious and delicious part of a
raw/living foods diet. Enjoy!