Description
Believed to be one of the worlds first spices, Sesame Seeds have a
very distinct aroma and taste that makes it a very valuable spice.
Cultivated primarily for its oil rich seeds, these tiny, flat oval
seeds, measuring about 3 mm (1/8 in) long are rich in
nutrition.
Sesame seeds contain manganese, copper, and calcium (*0 mg per
tablespoon for unhulled seeds, only *0 mg for hulled seeds), and
contain Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin E (tocopherol). They
contain powerful antioxidants called lignans, which are also
anti-carcinogenic. They also contain phytosterols, which block
cholesterol production.
Though seed colour can vary, they are usually beige or creamy white
when husked. The food and nutrition industry constitute the major
consumers of Sesame seeds.
India dominates the world market and is the largest producer of
sesame seeds. Three distinct varieties of sesame seeds are produced
in the country:
Natural White
Hulled sesame seeds
Natural Jet Black.
Natural White Sesame Seeds
These flat and tiny seeds contain about *0 to *0% of fatty oil,
which is characterized by a two lignanes, sesamin and sesamolin.
During refinement two phenolic antioxidants, sesamol and sesaminol
are formed.
