Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds

Sesame is a flowering plant in the genus sesames. It is an annual plant growing from 50 up to 100 cm (2-3 feet) tall, with opposite leaves 4 to 14 cm (5.5 in) long with an entire margin; they are broad lance late, to 5 cm (2 in), at the base of the plant, narrowing to just 1 cm (half an inch) broad on the flowering stem. The flowers are white to purple, tubular, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long, with a four-lobed mouth.

One of the first oil seeds known to humankind, sesame seeds are used in culinary as well as in traditional medicines for their nutritive, preventive, and curative properties. Its oil seeds are sources for some phyto-nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber with potent anti-cancer as well as health promoting properties. Sesame seeds are small, almost oblate in shape featuring pleasant nutty flavor and high oil content. The seeds are incredibly rich sources of many essential minerals. Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, and Copper are especially concentrated in sesame seeds. Many of these minerals have vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, hormone production, as well as regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities. Delicious, crunchy sesame seeds are widely considered healthful foods. They are high in energy but contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for wellness. Sesame is amongst the seeds rich in quality vitamins and minerals. They are very good sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and riboflavin. Sesames come in a variety of colors, from cream-white to charcoal-black.

The paler variety of sesame seems to be more valued in the West and Middle East, while the black varieties are prized in the Far-East. Sesame seeds may be baked into crackers, often in the form of sticks. They are also sprinkled into some sushi styles. The seeds are believed to be brought to colonial America by West African Slaves. McDonald’s purchases about one-third of the sesame crop imported to the United States from Mexico for their sesame seed buns.