Sunflower
In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5') apart and
2.5 cm (1") deep.
Sunflower "whole seed" (fruit) is sold as snacks and can be processed into a peanut butter
alternative, Sunbutter, especially in China, the United States, the Middle East and
Europe. In Russia it is probably the most wide spread snack.[citation needed] It is also sold as
food for birds and can be used directly in cooking and salads.
Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is used for cooking (but is less cardiohealthy
than olive oil), as a carrier oil and to produce biodiesel, for which it is less expensive than
the olive product.
During the 18th Century, the use of sunflower oil became very popular in Europe,
particularly with members of the Russian Orthodox Church because sunflower oil was
one of the few oils that was not prohibited during Lent.
The cake remaining after the seeds have been processed for oil is used as a livestock feed.
Some recently developed cultivars have drooping heads
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