Precisely when sunflower seeds were first harvest is uncertain. Some sources say that sunflowers were being grown by early American Indian tribes around 3000 BCE. Others believe that the sunflower plant was domesticated much earlier. Whatever the case, it is clear that by 2000 BCE sunflowers were not only being widely raised, but also that these early farmers know how to grow them to produce bigger seeds.
Origins: North American
Major Producers: Ukraine, Russia, Argentina
Main Food Component: 50% fat
Source of Calcium
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Source(s) The Story of Food