Sunflower petals

Figure 1. Two-dimensional tic of phenolic acids and flavonoids in WCR that had fed for one month on sunflower petals. Degree of shading indicates quench at 254 nm x = apparent cochromatography between insect and plant. See ref. 103 for details on development solvents.

With emphasis on natural color, there are many opportunities for new sources. Marigold has now become a sourc of color. Sunflower petals could be used for their golden petals. Gardenia fruits (Gardenia jasminoides), give yellow-red and blue food color. There has been some commercial use but there is a potential for more widespread use (68). 

Rapid growth, showy flowers, and tasty seeds make sunflowers fun to grow as well as nutritious. The plants can grow to 10 tall. Individual flowers may reach 14" across, with golden petals and a brown center that becomes a mass of seeds by late summer. 

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