Kansas may be known as the Sunflower State, but some farmers in Missouri could make a case for us, too – especially the good folks at Claverach Farm, who stock their booth at the Maplewood Farmers’ Market with sunflower shoots.
These tiny sprouts are nothing more than little baby sunflowers, although they look more like plain bean sprouts than the bright yellow flowers which dot farm fields across the Midwest. They can be eaten whole, either raw or cooked. Providing more crunch than flavor, these tiny guys make the perfect garnish for an early spring salad, especially one with fuller flavored greens like arugula. Try folding them into an omelet with a little Gruyère or fontina cheese or layering them inside your ham and cheese sandwich for a crunchy, hearty lunch. Store them in your crisper drawer along with a damp paper towel.
Claverach, an organic farm in Eureka, also periodically offers radish and pea shoots. The radish shoots have a bit more of a spicy kick and are delicious with bibb or butter lettuce. The pea shoots, however, benefit from cooking, though be sure to add them in right at the end to allow them to retain as much of their flavor as possible. Stir them into a heady carbonara right before serving or scatter them across some braised chicken thighs for an extra shot of flavor. Just a handful and your guests will know they’re not in Kansas anymore.
This article appears in April 2011.