Sunflower Seeds
Oil-rich seeds from *Helianthus annuus*, prized for their healthy fats (linoleic acid), vitamin E, and selenium. Used for cooking oil, snacks, bird feed, and livestock meal.
**Primary Sources:**
– **Top Producers:** Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, China, and EU nations (e.g., Romania, Bulgaria).
– **Growing Regions:** Thrives in temperate climates; major cultivation in the “Sunflower Belt” (Ukraine/Russia), North America (U.S. Great Plains), and South America (Argentina’s Pampas).
**Key Fact:**
Ukraine and Russia dominate global exports (70%+ of supply), though geopolitical shifts have reshaped trade routes. Varieties are split into oilseed (high oil content) and confectionery (snack-grade) types.
