What are Sesame Seeds?
- The use of sesame seeds dates back to 3000 B.C. and is said to have originated in the Orient, according to Epicurious. The seeds were used as a seasoning in a variety of cuisines and dishes, such as Chinese, Indian and then Middle Eastern foods. It was later discovered that sesame seeds could be used to produce oil, known as sesame seed oil, which is prevalent in many Asian dishes.
- Sesame seeds come in three colors: white, black and red. The white sesame seeds are the most popular type of sesame seeds. They have a nutty-sweet flavor that makes them ideal for pairing with confections and baked goods. Black sesame seeds are often used to create a more savory flavor. In Asian cooking, salt is traditionally mixed with black sesame seeds to create a seasoning to add on top of rice dishes.
- The culinary uses for sesame seeds are vast. Many cuisines rely on sesame seeds for seasoning sweet or savory dishes. They can be tossed on top of salads or sprinkled onto breads. In Middle Eastern cuisine, halva is a sweet snack made from sesame seeds, while Japanese cuisine uses sesame seeds to season a salty sushi roll. Sesame seeds can also be toasted to bring out the nutty flavor. Sesame seed oil is used in salad dressings, for stir-fry cooking and for marinating meat. In addition to oil, sesame seeds are ground down to make sesame seed butter and flour.
- Sesame seeds are full of nutrients. They are also full of fats, but the fats are mostly the mono and polyunsaturated kinds. Fiber and small amounts of protein are some of the nutrients provided by sesame seeds. They also contain a healthy dose of vitamins, such as vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium. Adding sesame seeds into your diet is an effective way to increase your health benefits through a variety of vitamins and minerals.
