sunflower seeds

" The sunflower seed is the seed of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The term ""sunflower seed"" is actually a misnomer when applied to the seed in its pericarp (hull). Botanically speaking, it is more properly referred to as an achene. When dehulled, the edible remainder is called the sunflower kernel. Of the sunflower seeds that are grown in China, about 75 percent are crushed for oil. The rest go to bird food, or possibly for snacks. Although China remains the world’s largest agricultural producer by volume and as such has a crucial role in the world’s planting seed market, U.S. exports of sunflower seeds to China reached a value of close to $5.3 million in 1998, with a market share of 80 percent. The growth in exports has come a long way since 1995, when 300 metric tons of edible seeds–called confectionery sunflower seeds by the industry--were imported into China. This year, 10,000 tons will be shipped. This is a different market from sunflower seeds for planting."