Sesame Seeds

Small edible seeds of the sesame plants are known as sesame seeds. These are widely used for numerous culinary and medicinal purposes as well as for oil production. Sesame plants are widely cultivated all over the world for harvesting the seeds.

Other Names

Find out what it is known as in other languages:

Sesame Seeds Picture

Sesame Seeds

  • In Spanish: Ajonjolí or Sésamo
  • In Italian: Semi Di Sesamo
  • In French: Till, Teel or Sésame
  • In Urdu: Til
  • In Hindi: Til
  • In Bengali: Til
  • In Tamil: Ellu or Ell
  • In Telugu: Nuvvulu
  • In Kannada: Ellu
  • In Malayalam: Ellu
  • In Marathi: Teel or Till
  • In Oriya: Teel or Raashi

Description:

Their appearance can differ from one variety to another. Here is a general description of these tiny seeds:

Size: The length varies between 3 mm and 4 mm while they grow around 2 mm wide and 1 mm thick.

Shape: The smooth, slightly flattened seeds are ovate with the hilum end being somewhat thinner compared to the other side.

Weight: Each seed weighs somewhere between 20 mm and 40 mm.

Color: The most commonly used type of the seeds is off-white in color. Other common colors include tan, buff, brown, gray, gold, reddish brown and black.

Flavor and Taste: All the varieties have a characteristic rich, delicate nutty flavor and taste. The flavor is believed to be stronger in darker seeds.

Texture: The seeds have a tender yet crunchy texture.

Distribution

Most wild relatives of sesame originate from sub-Saharan Africa while the cultivated variety, Sesame Indicum, is native to India. The seeds are currently cultivated in various regions of North and South America, Europe, Asia as well as Africa.

The White sesame seeds, along with the other lighter varieties are commonly grown in the America, Europe, the Indian subcontinent and the western regions of Asia. Black sesame seeds are most commonly cultivated in southeastern Asia and China.

Sesame Seed Oil

Oil is extracted from the seeds using the cold pressed method. Sesame oil is one of the most commonly used cooking oil in almost all cuisines in the world. There are two varieties of the oil: the light and the dark sesame oils. The light sesame oil is suitable for deep frying due to its high smoke point while the dark oil has a low smoke pint, making it useful only for stir frying and for making omelets. Like the seeds, the oil also has numerous health benefits to offer and is very good for skin and hair.

Sesame Seeds Oil Photo

Sesame Seeds Oil

Nutrition Facts

Here is the nutritional value for 100 gm of dried whole seeds:

Nutrients Amounts (Recommended Daily Value)
Energy 573 Kcal (29%)
Protein 17.73 g (32%)
Carbohydrates 23.45 g (18%)
Total Fat 49.67 g (166%)
Cholesterol 0 mg (0%)
Dietary Fiber 11.8 g (31%)
Folates 97 µg (25%)
Niacin 4.515 mg (28%)
Pantothenic acid 0.050 mg (1%)
Pyridoxine 0.790 mg (61%)
Riboflavin 0.247 mg (19%)
Thiamin 0.791 mg (66%)
Vitamin A 9 IU (<1%)
Vitamin C 0 (0%)
Vitamin E 0.25 mg (2%)
Sodium 11 mg (1%)
Potassium 468 mg (10%)
Calcium 975 mg (98%)
Copper 4.082 mg (453%)
Iron 14.55 mg (182%)
Magnesium 351 mg (88%)
Manganese 2.460 mg (107%)
Phosphorus 629 mg (90%)
Selenium 34.4 µg (62.5%)
Zinc 7.75 mg (70%)

Health Benefits

Diabetes Prevention – According to a study released in 2011, sesame oil improves the effectiveness of “glibenclamide”, the oral antidiabetic drug prescribed to individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes. Another study shows that using this oil as the only edible oil helps to reduce the blood glucose levels in hypertensive diabetics.

Lowers Blood Pressure – According to the study mentioned above, sesame oil is beneficial for reducing high blood pressure, especially in diabetic patients. Additionally, the rich magnesium content of the seeds makes them useful for this purpose as magnesium is known to have blood pressure lowering properties.

Maintains Oral Health – This is one of the most important health benefits of the seeds and their oil as they promote oral health by removing dental plaques. When consumed, both the seeds and the oil engages in a special oil pulling activity involving the oil swishing around the mouth to make sure there are no harmful microorganisms that may cause dental damage. The method is also known to whiten the teeth. Sesame oil uses its oil pulling effects to fight the streptococcus mutants (spherical Gram-positive bacteria) in mouth saliva and teeth plaque for boosting overall oral health.

Images of Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds Image

Prevents Kidney Damage – According to research, it can prevent kidney damage resulting from the use of antibacterial medications such as Gentamicin. It reduces the oxidative damage due to the antibiotic, thus protecting the kidney.

Cancer Prevention – They contain the anti-cancer compound named “phytate”, making them useful for fighting and preventing various types of cancers including leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and multiple myeloma. Their rich magnesium contents also contribute to their anti-cancer properties. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, magnesium is highly beneficial for reducing the risks of colorectal tumors and colorectal cancers.

Good for the Heart – Another significant health benefit of sesame seeds and oil is that they prevent atherosclerotic lesions to promote the overall heart health. They contain an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound called “sesamol” which is believed to be largely responsible for making the seeds beneficial for the heart. Sesamol also harnesses certain anti-atherogenic properties and has been proved to posses numerous pharmacologically active properties that can improve the cardiovascular health of an individual. The mono-unsaturated fatty acid named oleic acid present in the seeds help to lower the “bad cholesterol” or LDL levels while increasing the “good cholesterol” or HDL levels in the blood. This helps to prevent various coronary artery diseases and strokes.

Fights Rheumatoid Arthritis – The copper contents make the seeds and their oil useful for reducing the symptoms of swelling and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Copper is essential for the proper functioning of the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory enzyme systems. It also helps to strengthen the bones joints and blood vessels, which is beneficial for fighting rheumatism.

Healthy Skin – The seeds contain plenty of zinc, which is an essential mineral for collagen production as well as for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. Zink also plays a crucial role in repairing damaged body tissues. Sesame oil is known to prevent various skin disorders while promoting skin health. The rich vitamin E contents of black sesame seeds make them especially beneficial for skin.

Healthy Bones – Zink is also useful for promoting general bone health as it strengthens the bones by boosting their mineral density. According to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, zinc deficiency increases the chances of developing osteoporosis in the spine and hip areas. Sesame seeds, especially the black variety, are also an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone health while preventing various bone diseases.

Prevents Respiratory Disorders – Its magnesium content makes it useful for fighting airway spasms, helping to prevent respiratory disorders like asthma.

Protects from Radiation Induced DNA Damage – Studies show the sesamol compound in sesame to be useful for preventing DNA damage caused by any type of radiation.

Beneficial for the Digestive System – The seeds are an excellent source of dietary fibers, which makes them highly beneficial for the digestive system and colon. Eating sesame seeds is good for digestion as well as for preventing and relieving constipation.

Folic Acid – There is 97 µg folic acid (25% of the RDV) per 100 grams of the seeds. Folic acid plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and helps to prevent various birth defects when consumed by the mother during pregnancy.

Good Source of B-Complex Vitamins – It is rich in various B-complex vitamins including niacin, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and riboflavin. One hundred grams of sesame provide around 24% of the daily required amount of niacin. Niacin helps to lower the blood LDL levels while also enhancing the GABA activity in the brain to reduce anxiety and prevent neurosis.

Healthy Hair – Black sesame contains specific proteins and lecithin that have been proved to be good for growing hair. It is also believed to help in getting rid of grey hair.

Uses

Apart from being used as a main ingredient in various cuisines, both the seeds and the oil have various medicinal uses.

Edible Uses

  • Ground seeds are one of the main ingredients in “tahini”, a thick brown colored paste used for making the popular middle-eastern dip known as “hummus”. Tahini is occasionally referred to as “sesame butter”.
  • Roasted seeds are often sprinkled over various stir fried vegetable and meat dishes.
  • Another major use of the seeds includes margarine manufacturing in various countries in Europe.
  • The seeds are commonly added to various baked goods such as breads, buns, bagels, cakes and cookies for the nutty flavor and taste.
  • They are used for preparing a number of South Indian delicacies.
  • Roasted seeds are often added to desserts and sweets along with roasted almonds, peanuts and jaggery.
  • Toasted seeds are combined with soy sauce, garlic and rice vinegar to be used as a noodle and salad dressing.
  • Roasted, crushed seeds are commonly added to ice creams and sundaes to increase their flavor and taste.
  • Sesame seed powder is often mixed with other spices like dried red chillies to be as a seasoning for various dishes.
  • Gomashio, a dry condiment from Japan, uses ground sesame seeds as the main ingredient.
  • Sesame oil is one of the most nutritious and widely used cooking oil in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia as well as in various Indian states.
  • Unhulled seeds are used for making sesame milk, which can be used as an alternative to regular cow milk for various purposes.
  • Sesame seed flour, obtained as a byproduct after oil extraction, is used for preparing various baked foods.
Photos of Sesame Seeds Photo

Sesame Seeds Photo

Medicinal Uses

  • Sesame is used in Ayurvedic medicines for fighting obesity and promoting weight loss.
  • Sesame oil is used as a healing oil for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is applied on the skin for curing common skin pathogens including streptococcus and staphylococcus as well as various skin fungi like athlete’s foot fungus.
  • It is also used as an Ayurvedic medicine for treating chronic conditions like migraine headache, hepatitis and diabetes.
  • The oil is useful for getting rid of acne scars. It is applied on the affected skin area and left on to reduce scarring.
  • Sesame has been used as a highly beneficial brain tonic for a long time.
  • Chewing the seeds can help to get rid of tooth ache.
  • The seeds are taken along with butter for reducing the pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids.

Other Uses

  • The oil is commonly used as massage oil for its soothing effects in various countries throughout the world.
  • It is used for coating grains before storing for preventing weevil attacks.
  • It is also used in paints, lubricants and soaps.

Recipes

Sesame Seeds Recipe Image

Sesame Seeds Recipe

  • Grilled Chicken Salad with Sesame Seed Vinaigrette
  • Italian Sesame Seed Cookies
  • Sesame Honey Candy
  • Sesame Seed Sticks
  • Poppy and Sesame Crackers
  • Sesame Green Beans
  • Sesame Seed Brittle
  • Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna
  • Pan-Seared Salmon with Sesame Seed Crust
  • Brown Rice with Sesame Seeds
  • Grilled Tuna Steaks with Black Sesame Seeds
  • Roasted Sesame Seed Hummus

How to Toast?

Most edible uses of sesame involve toasted seeds, here is how one can do it:

  1. Place some sesame seeds in a non-stick, cast iron frying pan to toast.
  2. Continuously stirring the seeds is necessary to prevent them from turning black on one side.
  3. The seeds with become shiny and start popping once the roasting is done.
  4. The next step involves removing the seeds from the flame and placing them on a flat metal dish to cool down.
  5. One may season the seeds with salt, pepper and sugar at this stage (optional).
  6. Next, one can use a grinder to grind the seeds and add them to various dishes. Whole seeds can also be used for this purpose.

Substitutes

Sesame oil can sometimes be used as an alternative to the seeds in certain recipes. Poppy seeds and flax seeds can also be used as a substitute for sesame, depending on the purpose.

Side Effects/Allergy

It does not cause any side effects in most people. However, the seeds may lead to certain adverse health effects, including dermatitis, hives and itching, in some individuals. This condition is often referred to as sesame seed allergy. It can sometimes result in serious health problems including abdominal pain, vomiting, chest congestion and breathing difficulty due to swelling of the lips and throat. Sesame allergy can even cause death of an individual in a few rare cases. So, people having this allergy should avoid consuming sesame in any form.

During Pregnancy

There is a common misconception that eating sesame while pregnant can cause various complications and even miscarriage. But in truth, sesame contains various nutrients that are beneficial for the pregnant women and their unborn babies. However, it is advisable to consult with one’s doctor before consuming the seeds and the oil during this time.

How to Store?

Unhulled seeds can be stored in airtight glass containers in a dark, cool and dry place. The seeds tend to go bad quickly once hulled due to their high oil contents. So, they should be placed in freezer bags or plastic containers to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator. They remain fresh for around 6 months in the refrigerator while freezing allows storing them for about a year.

Where to Buy?

One can buy the seeds at local food markets and organic food store or order them online. Sesame seeds are available both in bulk and in smaller packages. The price for 16 oz of the white seeds varies from $12 to $15.The oil is available in supermarkets and can be bought online.

Interesting Facts

  • It is often regarded as the oldest known oilseed crop, domesticated over five thousand years ago.
  • The oil content of these seeds is higher than any other oilseed.
  • In the famous Arabian Nights tale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”, the thieves used the phrase “open sesame” to open a sealed magical cave.
  • In the year of 2010, around 3.84 million MTs of sesame were harvested in the world, with Burma being the largest producer.
  • The famous Chinese dessert Jin Dui or sesame seed balls are popularly eaten to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Images

Here are some pictures showing the different varieties.

Pictures of Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds Picture

References:

http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/02/over-12-health-benefits-of-sesame-seeds-and-sesame-oil-2-2566242.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/sesame-seeds.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Toast-Sesame-Seed

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