The main difference between black and white sunflower seeds is that black sunflower seeds are used for oil production, whereas white sunflower seeds are used for confection. Moreover, black sunflower seeds are solid black in color, while white sunflower seeds contain a white strip on the seed.
Black and white sunflower seeds are two types of sunflower seeds that are important for different functions.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Black Sunflower Seeds
– Definition, Types, Features
2. What are White Sunflower Seeds
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Black and White Sunflower Seeds
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Black and White Sunflower Seeds
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Black Sunflower Seeds, White Sunflower Seeds
What are Black Sunflower Seeds
Black sunflower seeds are the smaller sunflower seeds that are used as oilseeds. Oilseeds of sunflowers have three different categories. They are linoleic, mid-oleic, and high-oleic sunflower seeds. They differ by the chemical makeup of the seeds. Linoleic sunflower seeds are polyunsaturated. Also, linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid with a hydrocarbon chain of 18 carbon atoms. This hydrocarbon chain has two C-C double bonds and two single bonds separating them. In nature, linoleic acid occurs as triglyceride esters. Also, a few linoleic acids occur in food as free fatty acids. In comparison, mid-oleic sunflower seeds contain low saturated fat levels. They contain roughly 50% to 65% oleic acid.
Figure 1: Black Sunflower Seeds
Furthermore, oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid. The hydrocarbon chain of oleic acid contains 31 carbon atoms. Also, the hydrocarbon chain contains a single double bond. Therefore, it is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Additionally, oleic acid occurs as triglyceride esters. Further, it occurs in the phospholipid membranes, wax esters, and cholesterol esters. In contrast, high oleic sunflower seeds contain 70% or more oleic acid. These are mostly unsaturated. They are trans-fat-free. Unsaturated fatty acids are liquids at room temperature. On the contrary, trans-fat is solid at room temperature. Moreover, oilseed sunflower seeds are preferable for mixing with bird seeds.
What are White Sunflower Seeds
The white sunflower seeds are larger, with white strips important as a confection variety. They take up 10-20% of the crop yield per year in the States. However, the cultivation and selling of white sunflower seeds are trickier. Because pests and high winds can destroy sunflower plants, it is easier to grow white sunflower seeds than black ones. Also, the white sunflower seeds for human consumption can come either with the hull or as dehulled. Here, the hull of the sunflower seed is used in turkey bedding. The ground hull is important as a fiber source in animal feed.
Figure 2: White Sunflower Seeds
Moreover, commercial sunflowers for the seeds are harvested much later than the flowers. When the petals are dried up, the center of the flower is filled with seeds. Sunflower plants have a short growing season and are very drought-tolerant.
Similarities Between Black and White Sunflower Seeds
- Black and white sunflower seeds are the two types of sunflower seeds.
- They are important for culinary uses.
Difference Between Black and White Sunflower Seeds
Definition
Black sunflower seeds refer to sunflower seeds with a solid black husk, while white sunflower seeds refer to sunflower seeds with white strips on the seeds.
Color
Black sunflower seeds are solid black in color, while white sunflower seeds contain a white strip on the seed.
Size
Black sunflower seeds are smaller, while white sunflower seeds are comparatively large.
Importance
Black sunflower seeds are used for oil production, while white sunflower seeds are used for confectionery.
Conclusion
In brief, black and white sunflower seeds are two types of sunflower seeds. Black sunflower seeds are small and have a solid black color. They are used in the production of sunflower oil. In comparison, white sunflower seeds and large and have a white strip on the seed. They are important for confectionary use. Therefore, the main difference between black and white sunflower seeds is their importance.
References:
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2023w, July 19). Sunflower seed. Wikipedia.
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2023v, July 15). Oleic acid. Wikipedia.
Image Courtesy:
- “Sunflower with black seeds” By User:Amada44 – Own work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Sunflower seeds” By ABF- Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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