Sunset Sunflower Seeds

Sunset Sunflower Seeds

Sunset Sunflower Seeds are a geographically indicated agricultural product.

　　According to the *Jinning Prefecture Annals*, the local history of sunflower seed cultivation dates back to 20 years before the Daoguang era, approximately 200 years ago. The 1991 Agricultural Annals recorded: “According to the *Jinning Prefecture Annals* and *Kunyang County Annals* from the Republican era, the sunflower family includes three types: white sunflower seeds, black sunflower seeds, and red sunflower seeds. In particular, black sunflower seeds are large, plump, of excellent quality, not harsh on the mouth, and are often served to guests or given as gifts to relatives and friends, making them highly favored by local people. Through years of selective self-retention and propagation, the current local variety has evolved to feature plump seeds and superior quality.” With a long-standing local planting history, these seeds are a prized treat during festivals and celebrations, deeply loved by villagers. Currently, the planting area of Sunset Sunflower Seeds reaches 333.3 hectares, with an annual output of 600 tons, forming an industry that enhances agricultural efficiency and increases farmers' income.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Sunset Sunflower Seeds are produced in Xiyang Township, Jinning District, Kunming City, covering ten village committees: Xiyang, Bao’an, Tianfang, Xinshan, Lvxi, Muchulang, Gaoliangdi, Muzha, Yizige, and Dhei. The geographic coordinates are between 102°12′–102°46′ east longitude and 24°24′–24°40′ north latitude, spanning 6 km from north to south and 25 km from east to west. The planting area is 333.3 hectares, with an annual output of 600 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Plants grow 2m–2.5m tall, with flower heads 17cm–25cm in diameter and yellow flowers. Seeds come in three colors: red, white, and black. The seeds are plump, large, with smooth, glossy surfaces and very few empty or shriveled grains. (2) Internal Quality Features: When eaten raw, they are not drying or overheating, have a pure and fragrant taste, are not greasy, and leave a sweet aftertaste. They are also rich in nutrition. Nutritional content includes: protein ≥18.3%, crude fat ≥45%, oleic acid ≥27.5%, linoleic acid ≥55.1%. (3) Safety Requirements: The production environment of Sunset Sunflower Seeds complies with the NY/T 5295-2004 *Evaluation Criteria for Pollution-Free Food Production Environments*; product quality and hygiene requirements during production and processing strictly follow the GB/T 11764-2008 *Sunflower Seeds* standard.