Sesame
Scientific Name: Sesamum indicum
Family: Pedaliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Genus: Sesamum
What is the Sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant. They have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years.
Unhulled seeds have the outer, edible husk intact, while hulled seeds come without the husk.
The hull gives the seeds a golden-brown hue. Hulled seeds have an off-white color but turn brown when roasted.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crop that is grown mainly for the oil in its seeds, which is why it is considered an oilseed. It is native to tropical areas in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Sesame seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are commonly added to certain foods to provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
What does Sesame seeds taste like?
Sesame seeds have a nutty, slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness. They are often used to add flavor and texture to dishes, such as bread and stir-fries."
With a hint of bitterness, sesame seeds are used to enhance the flavor and texture of countless savory and sweet dishes around the world.
Both a slightly sweet and a slightly bitter flavour can be found in sesame seeds. The kind of sesame seeds and the manner in which they are handled matter.
Before being sold, some varieties of sesame seeds may be toasted, which can give them a toasty, nutty flavour but also make them slightly bitter. The black sesame seeds can be rather bitter, whereas the white sesame seeds are believed to be sweeter.
What are the Culinary Uses for Sesame seeds?
Dietary tips
White sesame seeds are often used in baking, while black sesame seeds are frequently used to add a pop of color to dishes. Hulled sesame seeds are often used to make tahini, while brown sesame seeds are great for adding crunch to salads and stir-fries.
No matter which type of sesame seed you use, you’re sure to add a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture to your dish. Experiment with different types of sesame seeds to find the perfect flavor for your recipes.
Sesame seeds do indeed taste nutty. They are popular in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine and frequently used in savoury dishes.
They can be used to give a variety of foods, including bread, crackers, salads, and sauces, a nutty and somewhat sweet flavour
What is the Nutritional Value of Sesame seeds?
|
Nutrient
|
Value
|
|
Water [g]
|
4.69
|
|
Energy
|
573
|
|
Energy [kJ]
|
2397
|
|
Protein [g]
|
17.73
|
|
Total lipid (fat) [g]
|
49.67
|
|
Ash [g]
|
4.45
|
|
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]
|
23.45
|
|
Fiber, total dietary [g]
|
11.8
|
|
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]
|
0.3
|
|
Calcium, Ca [mg]
|
975
|
|
Iron, Fe [mg]
|
14.55
|
|
Magnesium, Mg [mg]
|
351
|
|
Phosphorus, P [mg]
|
629
|
|
Potassium, K [mg]
|
468
|
|
Sodium, Na [mg]
|
11
|
|
Zinc, Zn [mg]
|
7.75
|
|
Copper, Cu [mg]
|
4.08
|
|
Manganese, Mn [mg]
|
2.46
|
|
Selenium, Se [µg]
|
34.4
|
|
Thiamin [mg]
|
0.79
|
|
Riboflavin [mg]
|
0.25
|
|
Niacin [mg]
|
4.52
|
|
Pantothenic acid [mg]
|
0.05
|
|
Vitamin B-6 [mg]
|
0.79
|
|
Folate, total [µg]
|
97
|
|
Folate, food [µg]
|
97
|
|
Folate, DFE [µg]
|
97
|
|
Choline, total [mg]
|
25.6
|
|
Carotene, beta [µg]
|
5
|
|
Vitamin A, IU [IU]
|
9
|
|
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]
|
0.25
|
|
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]
|
6.96
|
|
14:0 [g]
|
0.12
|
|
16:0 [g]
|
4.44
|
|
18:0 [g]
|
2.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is the health benefits of Sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds have many potential health benefits. For instance, they may protect against heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. But you may need to eat significant amounts — a small handful per day — to gain health benefits.
Among other health benefits, consuming sesame seeds can help in the following ways
· Good Source of Fiber
· May Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
· Nutritious Source of Plant Protein
· May Help Lower Blood Pressure
· May Support Healthy Bones
· May Reduce Inflammation
· Good Source of B Vitamins
· May Aid Blood Cell Formation
· May Aid Blood Sugar Control
· Rich in Antioxidants
What are the types of Sesame seeds?
Different Types of Sesame Seeds and Their Tastes
Sesame seeds come in many different varieties, each with its own unique taste. White sesame seeds have a mild, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Black sesame seeds have a more intense nutty flavor with a subtle bitterness.
Hulled sesame seeds are sweeter and contain more oil than unhulled varieties. Brown sesame seeds are milder in flavor and lighter in color than black sesame seeds. All of these sesame varieties can be used to give dishes a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
What is the commercial use of Sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds are also used as an ingredient in soap, cosmetics, lubricants, and medicines