The Truth About Sunflower Seeds

By admin on Jan 1, 2009 in Arts Nuts, Sunflower Seeds

arts-nuts-sunflower-seeds-the-truth-about-sunflowers

This brilliant yellow wildflower is easy to spot in North America where it stands tall, 3-12 feet, on a sturdy stalk. Its botanical name, helianthus, comes from the Greek words helios meaning “sun” and anthos meaning “flower.” The Latin annuus refers to its annual growth cycle. Archeologists believe the sunflower originated in what is now the southwestern part of the United States. American Indian tribes recognized the value of the sunflower and cultivated the Sunflower Seeds.

Sunflowers anchor their massive root structures to the soil via a deeply penetrating root system, which can be up to nine feet long. The head of a sunflower plant is usually one foot across and composed of a hundred or more small flowers closely packed together.

Each of the flowers within the sunflower head are fertile and produce the sunflower fruits/seeds. The outer “fringe” of the plants head functions to attract insects.

Sunflowers are quite active: they “follow the sun” throughout the day. This heliotropic movement is referred to as nutation. Once the outer fringe is fully developed, the nutation of the sunflower ceases.

At this point the head remains facing eastward.

Approximately three to four months after sprouting, most sunflowers will have matured and their heads will begin facing downward as a result of the weight of the developed seeds filling the heads of the sunflowers.

arts-nuts-the-truth-about-sunflowers
arts-nuts-sunflower-seeds-the-truth-about-nuts The sunflower seed has an exceptionally high nutrient density: it contains 17 vitamins, 12 minerals and more than 10 amino acids, and its own natural health promoting enzymes. Sunflower seeds have a high polyunsaturated (good) fat content (approximately 46%). One of the essential fatty acids most needed by the body, linoleic acid, is found in high concentrations in sunflower seeds. Studies suggest that Linoleic acid keeps cholesterol soft and manageable and aids in the prevention of harmful solid cholesterol deposits throughout the body. Did we mention they’re tasty, too?

Art’s Sunflower Seeds are dry roasted & “Tender Salted” (they have less sodium per serving than most diet soft drinks). Art’s Sunflower Nuts are roasted in peanut oil, are lightly salted, and have all the nutrition and taste of the In-Shell Sunflower Seeds- without that shell cracking. Both the Sunflower Nuts and the Sunflower Seeds are a good for you, mouthwatering treat!

We provide Art’s Nuts direct to the public by the case at our online Art’s Nuts Product Catalog.

7 Comment(s)

  1. now in my rss reader)))
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    wourdyabado | Apr 26, 2009 | Reply

  2. The store where I used to buy ARTS sunflower seeds is no longer carrying them :-( Is thee a store directory where I can find out who has your seeds? They are the best I’ve ever eaten! I have been eating sunflower seeds for over 30 years and have tried countless brands so I mean it when I say ARTS are truly the the largest and best tasting!

    Thank you so much

    Eric from Leesburg Virginia

    Eric from Leesburg Virginia | Apr 27, 2009 | Reply

  3. Eric,

    An online store list is a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion. It may take some time, but I think many people would appreciate the information. Unfortunately, even if we did have an online store list it would probably not have any stores in Virginia right now. Your best bet is through our online store: Art’s Nuts Online Store

    -George

    george | May 8, 2009 | Reply

  4. Thank you for the awesome information! My wife is the nut head in the family, and she always insists on arts nuts, had me running all over town for them once (now I have a source!), especially the cashews and i love those too. She loves reading these little stories you guys post, keep them coming!

    Gary k Patton | Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

  5. I have been eating sunflower seeds since I was a teenager, which is over 40 years. Art’s sunflower seeds are far the best tasting and contains the lowest in salt. I have a hard time finding Art’s products, but when I do, I always buy a few bags, I have found them even while I have been on vacation. The information posted on your website helped my husband to unstand why I love to eat them and what is the value that sunflower seeds offer. Thank you for providing this weblink and a wonderful product.

    Tanya from La Habra California

    Tanya | Jan 30, 2010 | Reply

  6. I LOVE these seeds! I think I’m addicted. I always hated how dehydrated sunflower seeds made me, but I can eat a ton of these and there are no side effects. I don’t know which states these are located in, but I get mine from ampm in BP gas stations. Almost every location has them where I live, so I hope this helps someone. I’m glad I found this website though because I buy them so often that stores don’t have time to restock before I want them again.

    Alexis | Apr 16, 2010 | Reply

  7. Great Post, Alexis. AM/PM & BP have been a big supporters. Many of their East Coast stores are carrying us now as well!

    george | May 6, 2010 | Reply

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