Sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds are the gift of the beautiful sunflower that has rays of petals emanating from its bright yellow, seed-studded center. The flower produces grayish-green or black seeds encased in tear-dropped shaped gray or black shells that oftentimes feature black and white stripes. Since these seeds have a very high oil content, they are one of the main sources of polyunsaturated oil. Shelled sunflower seeds have a mild nutty taste and firm, but tender texture. The seeds have a hard black-and-white striped shell that must be removed (either in or out of the shell), and are sold either plain or salted They can be eaten as a snack, used in salads or sandwiches or added to a variety of cooked dishes or baked goods. Sunflower seeds are rich in B-Complex vitamins, many minerals, protein and vitamin E. The high nutritional value is particularly due to the ability of the flower heads to face the sun and so absorb the maximum amount of sunshine.