Botanical name: Sesamum indicum
Description
Sesame is an ancient spice, one of the first recorded plants used for its seeds. It has been used for thousands of years and is still an oil seed of worldwide significance. Sesame seeds are contained in the pods of a tropical plant. They are tiny, flat ovals, measuring about 3 mm (1/8 in) long. Seed colour can vary, though they are usually beige or creamy white when husked. The flavor is nutty
Usage
In Western and Middle Eastern cooking, sesame seeds are used like poppy seeds to decorate and flavor breads, cakes, and confectionary, such as halva. The Chinese coat foods with sesame before cooking to give them a crunchy texture; sesame prawn balls and toast are popular Chinese appetizers. In Japan, the seeds are toasted and sprinkled on rice and other dishes, and are used in dressings for salads and vegetables.
Attributed medical properties
Sesame seeds contain phytosterols associated with reduced levels of blood cholesterol, but do not contain caffeine. The nutrients of sesame seeds are better absorbed if they are ground or pulverized before consumption, as in tahini. Sesame seeds is rich in the anti-nutrient phytic acid.
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