Sesame Seeds
The aroma of freshly baked bread is not as enticing without the nutty sweetness of toasted sesame seeds.
- Sesame seeds are obtained from the sesame plant or Sesamum indicum, which is one of the oldest cultivated plants known to humanity. It was highly valued by ancient civilizations for its oil, as oil content in sesame seeds is as high as 50 to 60%.
- The sesame plant has a pod or capsule-like shape. When ripe, the pod splits open and releases sesame seeds. This may have led to the “open sesame” phrase in the Middle Eastern folk tales collected in the famous One Thousand and One Nights.
- Sesame seeds are enclosed in a thin husk which is commonly removed before consumption since it can impart a bitter flavor due to its oxalic acid content. The seeds can have a variety of colors including white, golden or black. We only supply golden sesame seeds.
- Sesame seeds hold a special place in our company’s history as they were our first cultivated crop. We grow them without the use of chemicals in a region of Turkey called Gökova, which is renowned for the prized quality of its seeds. The sesame pods are harvested by hand and left to dry in the sun for several weeks. Our farmers then release the seeds by hitting the pods with sticks, and the collected seeds are passed through a sieve.
- Benefits of Sesame Seeds
- More than half of a sesame seed is made up of an oil of high quality due to its polyunsaturated fatty acids content and to the presence of sesamin and sesamolin, two unique lignans that have powerful antioxidant properties. Not only do sesamin and sesamolin make sesame oil more stable and therefore more beneficial for human health, their antioxidant properties also have positive effects on lipid levels in the blood, blood pressure, liver function and cancer prevention. They have also been shown to increase vitamin E levels in animals.
- It is hard to believe that such small seeds are also such nutrient powerhouses. Sesame seeds are impressively high in protein with a protein content that can exceed 20%. They are also exceptional sources of nutrients notably calcium, copper, but also iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B1. These nutrients play a crucial role in a number of bodily processes including metabolism, blood circulation and immune system and cell function. Sesame seeds are also high in fiber which can promote digestive regularity.
- How to Use Sesame Seeds
- Sesame seeds provide a unique aroma, a nutty and mildly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture which can be enhanced by roasting or toasting. They pair exceptionally well with baked goods, both savory and sweet. They can enliven different kinds of bread, from hamburger buns to bagels, as well as sweet treats such as muffins and cookies.
- Having long been used as a condiment, sesame seeds can be sprinkled over salads, soups and steamed vegetables or stir-fried dishes. They feature prominently in Asian cuisines where they are used both to enhance flavor and provide a crunchy texture.
- Sesame seeds can also be ground and made into a paste called tahini, which is an essential ingredient in Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus and baba ghanouj.
Types
● Golden Sesame Seeds Unhulled
● Golden Sesame Seeds Hulled
● Golden Sesame Seeds Roasted
Available As
● Whole Sesame Seeds
Certifications
● NOP Organic
● EU / EC Organic
● COR Organic
● Kosher
● Halal
Did you know?
Our golden sesame seeds are grown in the Gökova Bay basin, a region which is renowned throughout the world for the taste and aroma of its seeds.
The unique quality of the seeds is due both to soil composition and, importantly, to the iodine-rich wind which blows in the Gökova Bay basin. The crop is not irrigated until harvest, which gives the seeds a superior oil content. The distinctive features of the seeds make them highly prized, particularly on Asian markets.
- Sesame Seeds
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