The sunflower seed is the fruit of the sunflower (Helianthusannuus). The term "sunflower seed" is actually a misnomer whenapplied to the seed in its pericarp hulls. Botanically speaking,it is a cypsela. When dehulled, the edible remainder is calledthe sunflower kernel or heart. It is a tall, erect, herbaceousannual plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae, in the genus,Helianthus. Its botanical name is Helianthus annuus. It producesgrayish-green or black seeds encased in tear-dropped shaped grayor black shells that oftentimes feature black and white stripes.Since these seeds have a very high oil content, they are one ofthe main sources used to produce polyunsaturated oil. Shelledsunflower seeds have a mild nutty taste and firm, but tendertexture. Their taste is oftentimes compared with the Jerusalemartichoke (not to be confused with the bulb artichoke), anothermember of the Helianthus family.