Black Sesame Seeds
A Guide to the Difference Between Black and White Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds have been around for centuries but is there a difference between black and white sesame seeds?
What are sesame seeds used for? Here are 4 uses of sesame seeds after production and harvest.
Sesame seeds are seeds of the sesame plant (Sesamum Indicum), grown in tropical regions worldwide. The sesame plant which is native to Asia and East Africa bears the sesame fruit that carries the seeds. Sesame seeds come in a range of colours from white and black to red and brown, and they are one of the oldest oil-seed crops globally, with India and China being the largest producers.
USES OF SESAME SEEDS
Sesame seeds are high in vitamin B and polyunsaturated fat, and since they boost the nutritional value of meals, they can be used as a seasoning or a garnish. Sesame seed procurement involves drying out the sesame plant and hulling the seeds from their darker shells. After harvesting, the seeds can be used in the following ways:
1. Sesame seed oil:
Sesame oil comes in two forms. The first type is the regular cold-pressed which is made from raw sesame seeds. The other type of sesame oil, which is more common, is extracted from roasted sesame seeds with a darker colour and more intense flavour. Sesame oil is considered more stable than other vegetable oils due to the oil's antioxidants, which inhibit its rancidity. Sesame oils are also versatile as they have culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses. Read how sesame seeds are roasted and toasted.
2. Sesame paste:
Paste that is produced from sesame seed has an oily surface with the same rich texture and colour as natural peanut butter. Sesame paste is produced by grinding toasted or raw white sesame seeds. In the Middle East, it is called Tahini, a popular dish incorporated into many recipes.
3. Sesame flour:
Sesame flour can be used like other nut/seed-based flours. It can be made by grinding roasted sesame seeds in a food processor until it forms a fine powder. It's a naturally gluten-free option that can be mixed with wheat flour for added sesame flavour when baking.
4. Toasted sesame seeds
Roasted sesame seeds are useful in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine; they are crunchier and have a more pronounced nuttier flavour. Sesame seeds are toasted by either dry roasting on the stove or baking in the oven.
For such a tiny food commodity, sesame seeds are certainly rich in nutrients and uses. Find out more about our sustainable and high-quality supply of sesame seeds at KODGAV.