Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. They are widely used in food, oil extraction, animal feed, and cosmetic applications. Below are the general specifications for sunflower seeds:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Small, oval seeds with a hard shell

Color:

Striped: Black with white stripes (common for direct consumption)

Black: Solid black seeds (mainly for oil extraction)

Odor: Mild, nutty aroma

Taste: Crunchy, slightly nutty and oily

Size: 6-15 mm (varies by variety)

Purity: Min 99%

Foreign Matter: Max 1%

Broken or Immature Seeds: Max 2%

Moisture Content: Max 10%

Chemical & Nutritional Composition (Per 100g):

Protein: 20-25%

Total Fat: 40-50%

Saturated Fat: 4-6%

Monounsaturated Fat: 15-25%

Polyunsaturated Fat: 25-35%

Carbohydrates: 15-20%

Dietary Fiber: 8-12%

Ash Content: Max 3%

Vitamin E: 30-50 mg

Magnesium: 300-400 mg

Calcium: 70-100 mg

Phosphorus: 500-700 mg

Iron: 5-8 mg

Zinc: 3-5 mg

Microbiological Standards (For Food Grade):

Total Plate Count: Max 50,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 500 CFU/g

Coliforms: <10 CFU/g

E. Coli & Salmonella: Absent

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.2 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.1 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm

Pesticide Residues: As per international standards (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Types of Sunflower Seeds:

1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds - High oil content, used for oil extraction and bird feed

2. Striped Sunflower Seeds - Used for direct consumption (roasted/snacks) and confectionery

3. Hulled Sunflower Kernels - Shelled seeds used in bakery, cereals, and health foods

4. Sprouting Sunflower Seeds - Used in salads, organic food markets

Applications of Sunflower Seeds:

Food Industry: Used in snacks, bakery products, granola bars, and salads

Oil Industry: Extracted for sunflower oil (rich in unsaturated fats)

Animal Feed: Used in bird feed and livestock supplements

Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals: Used in skincare products, anti-aging creams, and hair oils