These seeds have been cultivated for several thousand years, and are both eaten whole and pressed to produce an edible oil. Sunflowers are tasty and rich in fibers and unsaturated fatty acids.
Sunflower seeds are more often eaten as a snack than as part of a meal. They are particularly popular in Mediterranean countries. When eaten whole, the seeds are first dried. They may be roasted and for better preservation they are often covered with salt or flour.
Sunflower seeds are sometimes added to bread and other baked goods, for their flavor.
Apart from human consumption, sunflower seeds are also sold as food for pet and wild birds.