Sesame Seeds
History and Curiosities
Sesame belongs to the Pedaliaceae family, of Indian origin. The sesamum indicum is one of the oldest crops in the world, an annual plant that grows to a height of one / two meters. Sesame seeds come in three color varieties: white, red and black. White sesame seeds are rich in iron, red sesame seeds are rich in calcium, and black sesame seeds were mainly used in sacred rites and are best for oil extraction.
Initially widespread in India, China and Japan, sesame is now also cultivated in various Latin American countries.
It was the Indians themselves who attributed the origin of sesame to a gift granted by the deities: according to Indian literature, sesame seeds were born from the drops of sweat of Visnu (Indian deity).
When we talk about sesame, the first thing that comes to mind is the well-known magic formula 'Open sesame!' from the story of Ali baba and the forty thieves. In fact, the fruits of sesame open by spreading everywhere the numerous seeds, as precious as the treasures of the cave of the forty thieves. Traditionally, farmers believed that such seeds brought good luck, as they represented Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and that they made the soil in which to grow the plant more fertile.
It is said instead that the ancient Greeks forbade the use of sesame seeds to all those who participated in the Olympic Games. In fact, athletes used to ingest the seeds before the races to increase their performance. This was the first case of doping in history. Those caught in possession of sesame could be sanctioned, excluded from the games or even sentenced to death.
In the past, sesame seeds were used in desserts, to obtain wines and spirits, but also for the production of oil and cosmetics.
Properties and Benefits
Sesame seeds are extremely nutritious and healthy seeds. Their main peculiarity is the high presence of calcium, an element that makes sesame seeds a valid aid to strengthen bones and teeth. Among the minerals present we also mention phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, selenium and potassium.
These seeds are composed of about 5% water, 50% fat, 25% carbohydrates and the remaining 20% protein.
Being seeds very rich in fat mass, they are cold pressed for the production of oil. It is a refined oil , light yellow in color, odorless and with a characteristic and pleasant taste.
The extracted oil stimulates hair growth and maintains its color; it is great for massages, creams and cosmetics.
According to a study by researchers at the University of Fukuoka Chikushi Hospital in Chikushino, sesame oil and rice bran are elements that can have positive effects on our body, fighting hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
Sesame seeds are also an excellent source of vitamins B1-B2-PP-B6 and vitamin E. The latter also gives the seeds and oil valuable antioxidant properties.
The presence of dietary fiber, on the other hand, attributes to sesame seeds numerous benefits to the digestive system: thanks to mucilages they promote digestion. Its leaves are used to treat some problems related to the stomach especially in case of gastrointestinal irritation.
Recipes
Sesame seeds are used in the culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.
In the kitchen, sesame seeds are mainly used in the recipes of bakery products such as breadsticks, bread, crackers, but also in salad dressings, to prepare rich muesli, to obtain tasty breading, etc.
One of the best known recipes that sees sesame seeds as the main ingredients is Gomasio. The latter consists of a condiment prepared with sesame seeds and sea salt, excellent to use instead of absolute salt to improve the seasoning of your dishes and benefit at the same time from all the healthy properties of these small seeds.
Delicious for flavoring salads, boiled vegetables, cereals and legumes but ideal especially for those suffering from hypertension.
LIGHT TAHIN CREAM 100% SESAME SEEDS
Another famous sauce in which sesame seeds are used is Tahina. This sauce is made from sesame seed flour mixed with its oil, often used as a seasoning.
It is a fine cream to spread based on hulled sesame rich in vitamins and minerals without salt and sweeteners, excellent spread on bread or to prepare sauces.
In addition to traditional food use, sesame oil and cream are also used in the pharmaceutical sector, for example, as a laxative, and in that of cosmetics, for the production of shampoos and creams.
A cream only sesame and nothing else!
Contraindications
The only contraindication of sesame seeds is that they seeds that can cause allergies or intolerances in predisposed subjects. To take advantage of the beneficial properties of sesame seeds, just consume a handful a day without ever exceeding in consumption, as they can prove to be a food that facilitates weight gain.
How to store Sesame seeds
Having inside very delicate oils, which risk going rancid, it is advisable to store the sesame seeds away from light, in a cool and dry place and inside a glass jar with a cap or an airtight container.