Blonde Girl On A Field Of Sunflowers

During the 18th century, the use sunflower oil became very popular in Europe, particularly with members the Russian Orthodox Church because sunflower oil was one the few oils that was not prohibited during Lent, according to some fasting traditions.
To grow well, sunflowers need full sun. They grow best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a lot mulch. In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep. Sunflower "whole seed" (fruit) are sold as a snack food, after roasting in ovens, with or without salt added. Sunflowers can be processed into a peanut butter alternative, sunbutter. In Germany, it is mixed together with rye flour to make Sonnenblumenkernbrot (literally: sunflower whole seed bread), which is quite popular in German-speaking Europe. It is also sold as food for birds and can be used directly in cooking and salads.
Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is used for cooking, as a carrier oil and to produce margarine and biodiesel, as it is cheaper than olive oil. A range sunflower varieties exist with differing fatty acid compositions; some 'high oleic' types contain a higher level healthy monounsaturated fats in their oil than even olive oil.