Signs Your Sunflower Seeds Are Ready For Harvest (And Snacking)

When the sunflower heads droop, the birds will swoop — these two indicators mean it's time to harvest them. By the time the back of the sunflower's head has turned brown, the sunflower seeds have matured, and it's either you or the birds who will get to them. You'll watch your newly-found friends, the chickadees, peck out sunflower seeds one at a time before stashing them somewhere for later. It's a wholesome reminder that hiding our favorite snacks is a universal thing. 

Along with the browning, you'll also notice the sunflower's large petals falling off as its foliage dies, revealing plump black-and-white striped husks inside. To gather them, gently press a thumbnail into a seed — if it resists, it's ready. Next, check the seeds around the outer rim of the head. They should look hardened, even if the center still has some catching up to do. Flick them free by brushing your palm firmly across the dried head, letting seeds fall onto a large, clean bucket for larger quantities, or onto an old kitchen towel you don't want to throw out. Once collected, use a colander for a quick rinse, then air dry them overnight. If you want to shell them, soak them in water for a few hours first. Then, it will be time to season and roast them for boundless crunchy possibilities.

In case you didn't know, it's possible to shell sunflower seeds with your teeth, too. A firm bite will pop them open in no time, which is fun. You can also eat immature sunflower seeds, but they are not easy to remove, so it's typically best to wait.

Roasted sunflower seeds taste nutty, with a with a buttery, slightly salty richness. Simply toss them in a small amount of neutral oil with salt and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. They are a great way to replace croutons and add more protein to salads, and you can also try pairing them with sweet and tart pickled apples. Apple slices and sunflower seeds are like a surfboard and a surfer: the dressing helps the seed ride the slice on a big flavor wave, and it's a clever way to make sure the seeds don't sink to the bottom of the salad bowl. Finally, you can also sprinkle them on most anything that will stick, from avocado toast to yogurt parfaits, and they are an absolute must for homemade crunchy granola.

You'll often find sunflower seeds adorning the tops of multigrain bread loaves, a hearty choice for any grilled cheese. Don't be shy about tossing those seeds right on top of the cheese, either. They also make a pretty and tasty companion for cream cheese and bagels — especially if you mix them with everything bagel seasoning. Try to sprinkle it on the bagel and not straight into your mouth — or don't. Mixing the seeds with the seasoning is an easy, savory, snack that can stand alone or take on more components. Any flavored homemade snack mix recipe comes to mind — a protein-laced treat you can eat from the palm of your hand — with no hungry birds in sight.