Sesame seeds, one of the oldest oil-seed crops globally, are seeds of the sesame plant (Sesamum Indicum), grown in tropical regions throughout the world. Packed with numerous health benefits and possessing an impressive variety of uses, these seeds can be easily grown in a garden or a field.
The sesame plant grows to about 60cm (24”) tall. Its leaves, which are long and covered with small bristles, radiate out from a stem that is square in cross-section. The plant grows best in hot and dry climates and likes moisture. It is also said to be drought-tolerant due to its extensive root system.
For large scale purposes, sesame seeds are usually sown with specialised machinery, 2-3cm deep and at a distance of 35-45cm between the rows. They germinate at 15-16 degrees and will not grow at any temperature below that. It also takes about 100 - 135 days for the seeds to reach maturity.
Where sesame seeds come from
Sesame plants produce bell-shaped flowers that may be white, purple or blue, these flowers will eventually develop into dozens of elongated seed pods. The sesame seeds are usually ready to be harvested when these pods turn brown and begin to crack open. The seed pods at the bottom of the plant will often be ready to harvest while the flowers are still in bloom- this necessitates multiple harvests toward the end of the growing season.
Once harvested, sesame seeds are hulled by soaking in water overnight to soften the hull, then dried. Eventually the seeds appear as tiny, flat and oval seeds that come in a range of colours from white and black to red and brown. Being aware of these processes is useful for any expert sesame seeds distributor in ensuring good quality produce.
Here at KODGAV, we are focused on exporting the best hulled or unhulled sesame seeds grown in Nigeria. Our products are fresh, safe, organic, non-GMO and cultivated conventionally. We have an in-depth understanding of developed market economies and recognise the importance of international food safety management standards and sustainability.
Storage
To ensure quality, dried sesame seeds are stored in sealed glass jars or airtight containers. They can also be frozen to ensure longer shelf life.
Uses of sesame seeds
Despite their tiny size, sesame seeds have a variety of uses. These tasty seeds are sprinkled on breads and cookies, and they are the source of the very valuable sesame seed oil. Other products derived from sesame seeds include sesame flour, sesame-honey candy bars, sesame crackers and halvah, which is made from crushed sesame seeds. Sesame seeds can be used as a seasoning or garnish and are frequently incorporated in many recipes, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Health benefits of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are a rich source of natural oils, antioxidants, protein and dietary fibre. They possess the ability to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, manage diabetes and build strong bones. Sesame seeds contain zinc, a vital component in collagen formation, which strengthens muscle tissue, hair and skin. They also possess other medical and cosmetic uses. You can find out all you need to know about sesame seeds and their health benefits by reading our blog on the health benefits of sesame seeds.