Ethical Sourcing Sunflower

In the middle of the dry grass plains of central Hungary, the bright yellow blooms of sunflowers grow in fields. This is Hungary’s ancient Puszta, once an endless sea of grass and now the source of sunflower oil grown for Weleda products. 

The sunflower originates from North and Central America where indigenous Americans used the seeds as a fat-rich food source. Spanish sailors first brought seeds to Europe in the 16th century. Since then, sunflowers have become a familiar feature of farms and gardens throughout Europe.

The name “helianthus annuus” is derived from the Greek words Helios, sun, and anthos flower. On sunny days, the friendly, open face of the flower tracks the movement of the sun and turns back to its original position by daybreak. 

The sunflower needs a humus- and nutrient-rich soil, adequate water, pollinating insects and, of course, the essential heat and light of the sun. These conditions are met in the heart of the Puszta, where our partner companies also grow spelt, wheat and oat crops.

In late summer, the leaves die and the green undersides of the flower-heads turn yellow. Now the seeds are ripe and can be harvested with the same harvester that collects the cereal grains, an efficient process for the farmers. The seeds are heavily, oil-rich – from 44 lbs. of sunflower seeds, about 15 lbs. of sunflower oil can be pressed, so Weleda receives plenty of high quality, sunflower oil from these Hungarian partners. 

Furthermore, Weleda solely sources sunflower oil in top quality from high oleic culture. These plants have a higher content of oleic acid than conventional sunflowers. This sunflower oil is more stable and lasting and ideal for combination with other cosmetic oils. Sunflower oil is known for its pure, nourishing properties and is used in many Weleda certified natural by NATRUE personal care products, including our uniquely skin-nourishing Pomegranate range.