Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds

ses·a·me

Origin: Sesame is one of the oldest spices and has been used for thousands of years. It is believed sesame was used by the early Assyrians, Egyptians, Chinese and Ancient Greeks. It is of great significance to the Brahmins and is considered a sign of good luck and immortality.

Sesame seeds come from a flowering plant which was found in the Sub-Saharan African region and parts of India.

Yes, this is where we get the phrase “Open Sesame” in Arabian Nights.
This symbolizes the distinguishing feature of the opening of the sesame seed pod which bursts open when it reaches maturity.

The cultivated seeds were first known to be found in India. Today the seeds come from the areas of Tanzania, Myanmar, India and Sudan.

Recipes: Sesame seeds are used in cuisines around the world and especially in baked goods.

In Middle Eastern cooking, tahini is made by simply toasting sesame seeds and adding olive oil for the right consistency. 

Tahini sauce is one of main ingredients used to make homemade hummus, baba ghanoush or even as a dip or dressing – yum!

Sesame seeds and sesame oil are also commonly used in Chinese food. They add great flavor to dishes such as sesame seed chicken or sesame noodles.

Sesame seeds are found in many varieties of baked goods and add a great taste to bagels and hamburger buns. 

They also add a nice crunchy and toasty flavor to cakes and cookies.

Benne wafers are cookies with sesame seeds found in Georgia and South Carolina. 

For Italian cookies, sesame seeds are added in biscotti regina.

In India, sesame seeds are used to make a sweet snack known as chikki. It is a healthy and vegan dessert. 

These little seeds are simply delightful and favored around the world.

Sesame also comes in black seeds. In Japan, black sesame seeds are used in dishes such as sushi. 

These seeds are high in nutrition and can be sprinkled on smoothies, cereals or yogurt for additional flavor and nutrition.

Medicinal Cures:

Sesame seeds are known to have many health benefits.

Sesame seeds, especially the black seeds are known are rich in fiber and other essential nutrients as calcium, copper and manganese.

The seeds or oil are known to help with indigestion and constipation. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium and zinc to help keep your bones healthy. They are also known to boost iron for low anemic levels and help with overall metabolic health. Sesame seeds also have cholesterol lowering properties and can aid to stabilize blood pressure. 

These little seeds are quite amazing.

Beauty Uses:

Sesame seeds have some natural benefits for your skin. Sesame oil can be used as a sunscreen. It is also used as a natural moisturizer if you don’t mind smelling like sesame oil and it can also be used to massage on your scalp for healthy, shiny hair.

There’s also some anti-aging benefits to aid with hearing loss and memory loss.

Black sesame seeds known as ‘kala til’ are also known for their purity and heavily used in Indian for prayers especially for funeral rites. 

Sesame seeds, black and white are quite a versatile spice and a must have in your spice rack. 

You can sprinkle these seeds to just about anything for some instant flavor (and magic)!

Sources

http://theepicentre.com/spice/sesame/

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/5-healthy-benefits-of-sesame-seeds-for-better-digestion-and-healthier-bones-1416030  

https://draxe.com/sesame-seeds/

https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/sesame-seeds.aspx