I love cooking with Texas sunflowers; Maximilian is the most common in my area! I look forward to late spring and early summer every year. When the sunflowers start to pop up around Texas. In China, sunflowers are a symbol of endurance. While including the meaning of good fortune and happiness. I am not sure why China believes this about the sunflowers. But when the Texas Sunflowers: Maximilian Shines for the First Time in Late Spring. Indeed, they sure do make me smile. And feel happy every season. They are also known as the intelligent flower. Because they turn their heads (flowers) to face the sun every day! This is the reason Some Faiths Worship the Sunflower for its Faithfulness to the Sun.
As a Christian, I do not worship it. But I do admire its beauty! And it’s a reminder to look to the Son ( Sun). Daily Verses, “Every Good Gift. And Every Perfect Gift is From Above! And coming down from the Father of Lights. Indeed, with Whom there is No Variation! Or Shadow Due to Change!” James 1:17-ESV. I live in a state that is plentiful with sunflowers in the summer.
Sunflower Fajita Recipe in YouTube Video
In fact, it was amazing to me all of the things I didn’t know about them. Besides, realizing they are for more than decoration. As a country girl, I often decorate with my sunflowers. But I did not know you could eat them until recently. I made a healthy unique dinner for the family. Simply by cooking with my Texas Sunflowers in the yard, Indeed, they made a nice change to our fajitas. You can see how I used them in the video below.
The History of The Texas Sunflowers: Maximilian
First of all, we don’t own this sunflower, y’all! Indeed, I know we think all good things came from Texas. But, No! In fact, there are great things from other states. And countries, lol! Texas is one of the Prairie States (native) states in the USA where bright flowers can be found. Along with Colorado, whose state flower is the ‘Blue Columbine’. Also, ‘North Dakota, whose state flower is ‘The Prairie Rose’. And South Dakota, whose state flower is ‘The American Pasque’. Our neighboring Prairie State, Oklahoma’s state flower is ‘The Oklahoma Rose’. Wyoming has one of my other favorite flowers as their state flower, ‘The Indian Paintbrush’.
Besides, the bluebonnet is the Texas state flower. And grows wild on the side of the Texas Roads. Indeed, it is Kansas that has our favorite flower as its state flower, ‘The Sunflower’. Although the sunflower has very strong Greek inspiration. And the Greek word for sunflower is helianthus. Which means sunflower. However, the Native Texas Sunflowers: Maximilian is named after the late Prince Maximilian of Germany. The Maximilian Sunflower is well known for its healing properties among Indians.
Sunflowers are Very Good for You!
Most often, we see poplar sunflower Sunflower Seeds around the stores. You can find them seasoned with many flavors, like ranch, BBQ, unsalted, and salted. Besides the seeds. There is also the part of the sunflower flower that is most known for its natural anti-depression prevention. They have a high level of tryptophan, which has many mood-boosting properties. Also, they provide a good source of B6. And zinc to help the body destress.
While many Aztec Indians who were in Mexico. In fact, it was believed that the sunflower soothed chest pain. Also, many American tribes have beliefs about the plant’s healing properties. The Cherokees (my mom’s ancestors’ tribe). Indeed, believe that the leaves help treat kidney issues. Also, the Dakota tribe uses it to soothe chest congestion pain. As well as the throat. Which is perfect to open the chakra due to its anti-swelling properties. Besides, this flower can be great for cooking meals. It is also perfect to create a soothing tea to help reduce swelling. I have a quick. And easy tea recipe below.
Ways to Cook the Texas Sunflowers: Maximilian
- Texas Sunflowers: Maximilian Heads: Save your petals for something else. Peel back the green around the head of the flower. And you can grill the stem. And the head of the sunflower.
- Petals: can be used to make herbal tea. Or to make stir-frys. I made a sunflower fajita that was a nice summer meal with my son. I also used one of the wines I get in our Wine Club, which you can find under the Cooking Food and Wines tab on the left-hand side of this page. The petals are perfect salad toppings.
- Roots: Also great to make Throat Soothing Teas when you boil them. However, you can cook them like potatoes. Indeed, roasted, fried, or mashed.
So before the summer ends, enjoy your sunflowers as decorations. And as a meal to boost the immune system. Also, don’t forget to dry some petals for herbal tea this fall and winter. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of the sunflower. Indeed, this tea is great for a sore throat. And easy to make. Just add the ingredients below to a pan. Or tea pot. Then serve it in your favorite tea cup.
- 1 cup of water
- 1 Chamomile Tea Bag
- 1 Tablespoon of Texas Sunflower: Maximillian Dried or Fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon of lavender syrup
- And 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry syrup (optional; you could also use cherry, which is also an anti-inflammatory fruit). I do suggest adding something sweet. Indeed, the sunflower can be a little bitter.
Storing Your Sun flowers: Simple Drying Process
While I just harvest the fresh petals off of my Texas sunflowers, Maximillian, that grow plentifully here. Besides giving them a good wash. Also, sit them out on a paper plate to dry for about five days. Then, you can just put them in a Mason jar. Or a baggie to store for the cold and flu season.
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