How do you make sunflower seed edible?

[stella]

I grew lots of sunflowers this year, all different sorts, sizes and colours. Are all sunflower seeds edible and what do I have to do to them to make them edible

[Jeanied]

I'm not sure all are edible, but the white striped ones are probably the most likely candidates.
I found this on a quick search
make sure the shells are not broken or dirty, and they are firm and don't have a limp texture. With shelled seeds, avoid those that appear yellow, as they have probably gone rancid. Because sunflower seeds have a high fat content and are prone to rancidity, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. An easy method for shelling sunflower seeds is to grind them in a seed mill, then place them in cold water until the shells float to the top, and skim them off.

Read more: Protein In Sunflower Seeds | LIVESTRONG.COM
To be honest it is a lot of work for not a lot - I'd be tempted to put them in a hanging bird feeder and let the bluetits and great tits have them - they are very efficient de- shellers!

[stella]

Oh I thought it was going to be easy. You can buy them to nibble on instead of nuts so I thought, aha grow your own, mmmm going to have to think again

[Jeanied]

Stella do you nibble the ones with the outer shell on? If you are used to doing that then I can't see why you shouldn't nibble the ones you have grown once they have dried.

[stella]

Yes that is what I was thinking, but dont they have to be toasted first?

[Jeanied]

Not sure - off for another google!

[Jeanied]

Right from what I gather you can soak them in brine and then oven roast them - or eat them once they have dried, without any cooking. The latter advice came from Garden Organic.

[stella]

Yah thanks for your help, I am going to give it a try