Sunflowers in Europe: A New Chapter
Sunflowers were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought the seeds back from their travels to the Americas. The plant quickly spread across the continent, admired for its beauty and usefulness. By the 18th century, Russia had become one of the largest producers of sunflower oil, particularly during a time when the Russian Orthodox Church banned most oils during Lent. Sunflower oil was one of the few oils allowed, leading to its massive cultivation in Eastern Europ
