How are Sesame Seeds Roasted and Toasted?

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. The seeds are tiny, flat, and oval in a shape with a delicate crunch, and they come in a range of colours from white and black to red, brown, and tan. They are rich sources of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper. They also possess a variety of health benefits that aid in preventing asthma, colon cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as lowering high blood pressure.

Sesame seeds can be found as black or white, hulled or unhulled, or raw and toasted. Toasted sesame seeds are common because they are believed to have a more intense flavour than raw sesame seeds. Find out more about how KODGAV is supplying sesame seeds sustainably to the UK. 

ROASTING SESAME SEEDS

Toasted sesame seeds have a nuttiness that adds another layer of flavour and crunch to any dish, especially Asian and middle eastern cuisines. Below are some ways to toast sesame seeds:

Dry roasting on the stove: This method works for toasting a small number of sesame seeds for a quick addition to any dish.

• Heat a clean, dry frying pan or skillet over a very low flame. 
• Do not add oil.
• With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the sesame seeds for about 3 minutes.
• Once the sesame seeds turn golden brown, remove them from heat.

Baking in the oven: This method works for roasting large quantities of sesame seeds at a go.

•  Preheat the oven to 180 C / 350 F for about 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour a single layer of sesame seeds.
• Do not add oil.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven.
• Bake the sesame seeds for about 5 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Be sure to shake the tray at intervals, so all the seeds bake evenly.

Toasting in the microwave: This is not a very common means of toasting sesame seeds.

• Place sesame seeds on a microwave-proof plate.
• Cook on high power for 2 - 4 minutes.
• Stir the sesame seeds at intervals to make sure they cook evenly.

After roasting the sesame seeds, remove them from heat and allow them to cool to room temperature. Roasted sesame seeds have a longer shelf life as they can be stored for up to three years. It's ideal to store them in a sealed container, in the refrigerator or freezer.

HOW TO USE TOASTED SESAME SEEDS

With a richer flavour profile than the regular sesame seeds, there are different ways to use toasted sesame seeds. Below are a few ways to use them:

• Tahini, a popular middle eastern cuisine, is made from roasted sesame seeds and vegetable oil ground into a thin paste.
• Toasted sesame seeds can also be used to make sesame oil which is a great option to add to any recipe.
• Toasted sesame seeds can be crushed and sprinkled over salads, giving them more variety and flavour.

To get your hands on bulk orders of roasted and toasted seeds, learn more about the quality sesame seeds we offer at KODGAV, and enquire.