Sunflower seed

In 2022, global production of sunflower seeds added up to 54 million tonnes, led by Russia and Ukraine with 51% of the world total combined (table).

Sunflower seeds sold by the bag are either eaten plain, salted (sometimes called 'plain') or with flavoring added by the manufacturer.

In-shell, sunflower seeds are particularly popular in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Asian countries where they can be bought freshly roasted and are commonly consumed as street food, the hull being cracked open with the teeth and spat out, while in many countries, they can be bought freshly packed in various roasted flavors.

In Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania, roasted ground seeds are used to make a type of halva.

[6] Sunflower seeds are commonly used as food for pets, typically being included in birdseed mix for bird feeders.

In a 100-gram serving, dried whole sunflower seeds provide 584 kilocalories and are composed of 5% water, 20% carbohydrates, 51% total fat and 21% protein (table).

The seeds also contain high levels of dietary minerals, including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron and zinc (40–94% DV).

[11][12] Only a small number of garden plants, such as day lilies, are unaffected by the allelopathic compounds found in sunflower hulls.