- Exploring the History
of Sunflowers
- by Ryan J Bell
Sunflowers have been cultivated
and harvested by many cultures for at least 4,500 years. They've
been used for a variety of purposes that range from culinary
to medicinal. While most people can immediately envision a crop
of sunflowers, few realize the important role they've played
in history. In this article, we'll provide a brief overview of
sunflowers in an historical context. We'll explain their origin
and describe how they've been used for generations. You'll also
learn how the sunflower was discovered by those who traveled
from other countries.
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The Origin Of The Sunflower
The sunflower is considered native
to the United States. Many enthusiasts claim that it was first
cultivated by Native Americans over 8,000 years ago (though others
contend that the plant wasn't cultivated until 2,600 BC). As
early as 2,000 BC, sunflowers were being grown using methods
that encouraged bigger seeds and a more bountiful crop. It had
already become a major staple in the diet of Native Americans
by the time European explorers first visited America.
When explorers from Europe arrived,
they were surprised to find that many Indian tribes were cultivating
and harvesting crops of the strange plant. The Europeans had
never seen a sunflower before. The tall, brightly-colored crops
were a spectacle to them. They sent the seeds back to Europe
where they were considered with curiosity. Oddly, the Europeans
didn't consume the sunflowers until the seeds were transported
to Russia, Spain and China years later.
As other countries were introduced
to sunflowers, the plant quickly became a popular source of food.
The seeds were planted and crops were grown and harvested, yielding
a rich supply of seeds for snacking and cooking. |
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The Many Uses Of Sunflowers
During its long history, sunflowers
have been used for several purposes. The early Native Americans
were resourceful with the plant. They harvested their sunflowers
and used them for food and medicine. The seeds were used for
baking and also to add thickness to various stews. Archaeologists
have uncovered evidence that suggests Native Americans also used
sunflowers to remove warts and to treat those who suffered from
sunstroke.
In the 18th century, after having
been introduced to Russia, the sunflower became a popular source
of cooking oil throughout Europe. Today, sunflower crops are
grown in many countries throughout the world. Some cultures ground
the sunflower seeds for use while making bread. Others harvest
the seeds to be eaten as a nutritious snack. The seeds are also
used as an ingredient in meals to add flavor and texture. And,
of course, millions of people take great delight in planting
sunflowers in their gardens.
The Future Of The Sunflower
Sunflowers have enjoyed immense
popularity for generations. This is due, in part, to their inherent
usability as food and medicine. Their popularity is also due
to their ease of cultivation. Sunflowers can grow easily in many
types of soil as long as they have direct sunlight and a constant
source of water.
Today, sunflowers are used for
purposes that were likely unimaginable a generation ago. For
example, they're added to certain varnishes and paints due to
their quick-drying quality. Sunflower oil is also added to detergents
and soaps. In addition, the oil from sunflowers is being tested
for use in plastics, lubricants and even pesticides. While sunflowers
have enjoyed a long history of resourceful use, new applications
continue to be discovered. |
