Health from sunshine

Andrew Ritchie

Growing on a block of land off Hammerichs Road in Rapaura is a sea of sunny yellow flowers contrasting with the green of the neighbouring vineyards.

The plants averaging over two metres high are sunflowers with heads some 30.5cms each containing as many as 2,000 seeds per flower. Sown in November by Alan Jones of Garlico, the seeds produced can be used for food or oil. They are high in Vitamin E and selenium and contain antioxidants helping in the fight against free radical damage. They are reputed to help with cases of chronic inflammation, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The plants require no weed control, and this season have not needed any irrigation. The main problem is birds that find the large flowers provide a perfect perching spot from which to access the seeds. An additional benefit is the honey produced from the beehives spaced around the property to aid pollination.

Although still in the trial stage Alan predicts yields of 2 tonnes/ha at an approximate price of $1200/tonne.