General Description

One of the first foods used for its oil content, sesame seeds have been grown in tropical regions throughout the world since prehistoric times for culinary uses as well as in traditional medicines for their nutritive, preventive, and curative properties. Sesame seeds are very rich in copper, a trace element that is important in a number of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems therefore reducing pain and swelling associated to arthritis.

Impressive nutty condiment, sesame seeds are also very rich in magnesium, manganese and calcium. Rich in mono-unsatured fatty acids such as oleic acid, sesame helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Source of calcium, it is an important food for women to help reduce PMS symptoms, migraine and very beneficial for menopausal women. Sprinkle a little goodness onto your meals or make you own homemade tahini!

History

Sesame is a plant that was domesticated a very long time ago. Its seeds were consumed in India over 7500 years ago and in China over 5000 years ago. An important part of Babylonian and Assyrians diets, sesame seeds have now spread to Africa, Asia Minor, Middle Eastern as well as in the South Mediterranean Basin. Many reasons explain the use of this food such as its resistance to drought, the easiness to which its oil can be extracted, as well as its oil’s durability, much appreciated qualities during times when refrigerators did not exist.

Nutrition & Benefits

• Excellent source of fiber, the sesame seed helps regulate the digestive track
• Excellent source of calcium, that can help build strong bones and teeth as well as maintain optimal bone health
• High content of magnesium, zinc and iron, this nuttry seed plays an important role in regulating the metabolism, providing energy as well as beneficial effects on the nervous system
• Its high magnesium content helps reduce blood pressure, prevents airway spasms caused by asthma and can help restore a normal sleep patterns
• Source of vitamin E, sesame seeds helps protect the body against free radicals
• Important source of phosphorus that helps build the immune system
• Helps reduce risks of colon cancer, prevents constipation and helps control type 2 diabetes

Culinary Uses

The sesame seed is an integral part of the Middle Eastern diet. Sesame butter is used to make tahini and the seed becomes a delicious addition to salads, stuffing or slightly roasted and thrown into all dishes to their enhance flavor.

Try our sesame squares sumsuma made with roasted hulled sesame and cane sugar. Divine!

Did you know?

In Rome, soldiers would bring sesame seeds during their long trails from one point to another. Puréed and seasoned with cumin, they would spread this sesame butter on bread.

Nutritional Facts Table