Did you know that you can eat Sunflower microgreens? Is it a fruit or a vegetable?

Neither, really. Sunflower seeds are considered the fruit of the flower, but grown as a microgreen, it’s considered an edible plant. Native to the Americas, historical evidence shows sunflower being cultivated by indigenous peoples over 5000 years ago, and may have been domesticated before corn.
The most common variety of Sunflower grown for microgreens is an heirloom cultivar called Black Oil Sunflower, which gets its name from the colour of the seed and the high levels of oil in those seeds.

Sunflower is one of the most popular varieties of microgreens as they are easy to germinate, fast growing and they produce big healthy sprouts. On average, it takes 6 to 9 days to grow sunflower, and the taste is nutty and sweet. Sunflower can be eaten on its own as a snack, adds healthy bulk in a salad, and can be blended in a smoothie or juiced. They are a great addition to sandwiches or tacos too.

Okay, great, but how healthy are they?

Well, this is the best part! A 100g. serving of Sunflower microgreens (literally two handfuls) has only 27 calories but 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B6. Manganese, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. They’ve got folate and iron, healthy fats like omega-3s and omega-6s and they’re a complete source of amino acids too!

But here’s a tip! Sunflower microgreens are the tastiest when their first leaves have fully opened. If you see developed secondary leaves, the microgreens will taste bitter, there’s a marked difference in taste.

So, how can you get some? Drop by our shop at 1160-A Heron Rd. in Ottawa and ask one of our helpful team members for a free taste. Otherwise you can purchase a clamshell or a whole flat. Taste the difference, you’ll be glad you did!
We also carry Certified Organic seed from reputable Canadian suppliers if you’d prefer to grow some yourself.