Sesame Seeds 250g

Sesame is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods.

Sesame seeds—those tiny tasty toppings you may encounter on bagels, breadsticks, and hamburger buns, as well as on sushi rolls and sesame chicken—are called the “queen of oil seeds” for good reason.They are a notable source of nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin E, thiamin, calcium, magnesium, and manganese, plus unique lignans (sesamin and sesamolin), phytosterols (predominantly B-sitosterol), fibre, and other potentially beneficial compounds.

By weight, about half the seed is fat—mostly unsaturated. An ounce (3 tablespoons) has about 160 calories, 14 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fibre.

The seeds, which vary in color from tan to black depending on their type and preparation, grow in the pods of a flowering plant, Sesamum indicum, native to India and Africa. The pods resemble okra and, like okra, are technically fruits. When they ripen, they split open at the slightest touch, releasing the seeds—hence one possible explanation for the expression “open sesame.”  Each pod contains 50 to 100 or more seeds. The seeds are typically hulled (soaked to remove the outer husk) and lightly roasted, which gives them a nutty flavor and a browner colour.