how to prepare fresh sunflower seeds for consumption
Step 4. Spread the seeds out in a single layer across a piece of fine-mesh screen, such as that used in a screen door. Spread the screen on top of a sheet pan, so that air is allowed to pass the seeds on all sides. Set the sheet pan and screen full of sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place, away from any drafts or direct sunlight.
Step 1. Wrap a piece of cheesecloth around the head of the sunflower and secure it with string tied around the stem to keep birds away from the seeds as they ripen. Step 2. Cut the stem 12 inches below the cheesecloth-wrapped head to remove the flower after the petals have wilted and half of them have fallen off the flower.
Step 3. Tie a second piece of string around the bottom of the stem to suspend the sunflower with the head pointing toward the ground. Leave in a cool, dry place until the seeds dry completely and fall into the cheesecloth.