Birds love sunflower seeds

Published 6:53 pm Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Sunflowers are a natural food source for songbirds and your family. The seed heads are mature and ready for seed harvesting when the reverse side turns from green to a yellow-brown; large heads nod downward, according to Burpee (www.burpee.com).

To harvest the seeds ahead of the birds and squirrels, cut off the seed heads with a foot or so of stem attached and hang them in a warm, dry place that is well-ventilated and protected from rodents and bugs.

Keep the harvested seed heads out of humidity to prevent spoilage from molds and let them cure for several weeks. When the seeds are thoroughly dried, dislodge them by rubbing two heads together, or by brushing them with your fingers or a stiff brush.

Allow the seeds to dry for a few more days, and then store them in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator to retain flavor.

To toast the seeds to enhance their flavor, lightly brown them in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Kathy Van Mullekom, Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)