- Glossary
- Sesame - the oldest oilseed in the world
Sesame - the oldest oilseed in the world
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an annual plant whose seeds rank among the oldest oilseed crops in the world. It has been cultivated in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia for thousands of years. The seeds have a delicate nutty flavor and are a key ingredient in tahini paste, halva, and sesame oil. They contain calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. In cooking, they are used whole as a topping for bread, toasted in salads, or ground into sauces and dressings.
- Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops, cultivated for over 5,000 years.
- Sesame seeds contain more calcium per weight than milk.
- Tahini paste, made from sesame, is the base of hummus and halva.
- Toasting sesame seeds significantly enhances their nutty flavor and aroma.
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