sunflower seeds (सूर्यमुखीको बीउ)
About sunflower seeds (सूर्यमुखीको बीउ)
Sunflower seeds, derived from the sunflower plant, are gaining popularity in Nepal as a nutritious and versatile snack. While not a traditional staple in the Nepali diet, they are increasingly available in supermarkets and health food stores. They are appreciated for their nutritional value, including protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. They are consumed as a snack, added to breakfast cereals, or used in some baking recipes. As awareness of healthy eating grows in Nepal, sunflower seeds are becoming a convenient and accessible option for people looking for nutritious plant based food options. There is also some cultivation of sunflowers for oil in Nepal, although not as widespread as some other crops.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in sunflower seeds
Seasonality
In Nepal, the sunflower cultivation usually begins in the spring and continues through the summer months. The flowers bloom during this period, and the seeds are harvested in late summer or early autumn (roughly August to October). Therefore, fresh sunflower seeds may be more readily available during these months. However, commercially packaged and processed sunflower seeds are generally available year-round.
History
The cultivation of sunflowers and the consumption of their seeds is not a long-standing tradition in Nepal. Sunflowers are not native to the region and were likely introduced to Nepal relatively recently, mainly in the past few decades. The primary use of sunflowers in Nepal, when first introduced, was for oil extraction, with the seeds being a byproduct. However, as global trends in health-conscious snacking and the recognition of the nutritional benefits of sunflower seeds grew, consumption of the seeds as food has gradually increased. Though not deeply rooted in the local food culture, their adoption reflects a shift towards diversifying food choices and incorporating newer plant-based options in the Nepali diet. The government is now promoting the sunflower cultivation in many places, especially for oil. Seeds are also extracted from them.