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Using a Sunflower Seed Huller
Using a Sunflower Seed Huller
Sunflower seeds are a popular addition to many recipes and snacks.sunflower seed huller Their nutty flavor and nutritional value make them an excellent addition to salads, granola, trail mixes, baked goods, yogurt, and other foods. They also can be toasted for a crunchy treat. Using a sunflower seed huller makes the process of removing the shells simple and quick, opening up a world of cooking possibilities.
While commercial processors utilize large high-volume machinery for hulling sunflower seeds, it's possible to dehull the small, delicious treats at home.sunflower seed huller Hulling the seeds in bulk can be time consuming, but a few simple tools and a little patience will have the job done. The simplest method involves spreading the seeds in a single layer on a flat surface and rolling them with a heavy rolling pin. It's important to roll the seeds with gentle pressure, as a harsh pounding can crush and break the tiny kernels inside the shell.
Other methods for hulling sunflower seeds include soaking them in water, which can soften the hardshells and make them easier to remove.sunflower seed huller Soaking can also help the seeds retain their freshness. Once the seeds are soaked, they can be winnowed with wind or a fan to separate the hulls from the kernels. Alternatively, a hand-operated grain mill can be used to grind the seeds and crack the hulls. These grinders come in a variety of sizes and settings, so the user must carefully adjust the setting to ensure that the hulls are not crushed and mixed in with the kernels.
A more sophisticated method involves placing the seeds in a plastic bag and shaking them. This allows the hulls to fall away, leaving only the kernels behind. This technique is more effective if the seeds are pre-sorted for size, as larger seeds will tend to remain intact, even when shaken. The seeds can also be rolled between two nested baking sheets and walked on, but this is more time-consuming and may require a helper.
In addition to being a healthy snack, sunflowers are also a valuable crop. The hulls contain an oil that can be used in products such as paints, varnishes, detergents, plastics and rubber coatings. Sunflower seed oil is also a popular ingredient in some processed food items, including chips and breads.
The most common use of sunflower seeds is in the confection market, where the husks are removed and the seeds are used for their crunchiness, nutrition, and flavor. These hulled seeds are sold for a premium over oil-type varieties. Confectionary sunflowers grow 12 inches apart in rows two feet wide and produce more seed than oilseed varieties, which are grown 16 inches apart in the same field.
A 2,500-square-foot garden can yield enough seeds to produce three gallons of homemade vegetable oil for use in cooking and salad dressing, as well as 20 pounds of hulled sunflower seeds, sufficient to provide the needs of a family of four for an entire year.
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