Padmajha PJ July 10, 2009 4 Comments

I would like to share with you some tit-bits about the symbol of immortality…

  • Sesame seed [Gingelly Seeds/Til/Ellu/Nuvulu] is one nutrient rich spice that everyone likes to use. Sesame seeds are one of the oldest condiments on earth and are being used in a variety of ways.
  • There are a varieties of sesame seeds like the white, black, brown and even red colored sesame seeds.
  • The Nutritive Value per 100gms

    •           1. Energy – 563 Kcal
              2. Protein – 18.3 gms
              3. Fat – 43.3 gms
              4. Fiber – 2.9 gms
              5. Carbohydrates – 25gms
              6. Iron – 9.3 mg
              7. Calcium – 1450 mg
              8. Phosphorus – 570 mg
              9. Carotene – 60 micrograms
              10. Thiamin – 1.01 mg
              11. Riboflavin – 0.34 mg
              12. Niacin – 4.4 mg
              13. Choline – 2.24 mg
              14. Oxalic acid – 1700 mg

  • Sesame seeds are hulled to remove the oxalic acid [around 2-3%]. Oxalic acid interferes with the calcium absorption and hence it better be removed. It also gives a bitter flavor.
  • If you are buying sesame seed oil, look for the one with a dark amber color. The lighter colored ones may be adulterated with some other oil. Store them in a cool place away from sunlight or in a refrigerator. In a refrigerator the oil may turn cloudy, but not to worry, they return to the original color once they reach room temperature.
  • How to increase shelf-life – Sesame seeds are brimming with oil and turn rancid quickly. So it is better to buy small quantities and store them in an air tight container.
              Never be tempted to leave them in the pantry with the packaging. I have left them like that and in a months time they either turned rancid or I found wormies in them. Here is a secret what my Mom shared with me,..
              Once you bring them home, you just have to do one small thing to extend their shelf-life and to bring out their nutty flavor.
              Heat a pan and put in the sesame seeds. On a low heat toss them around the pan till they just start crackling. Switch off the heat and spread them on a plate. Don’t leave them too long in the pan, else they will taste bitter. If you feel the popping is annoying, just hold a meshed lid to shield you from the pan. Don’t close the pan with a fitting lid as the steam will turn the seeds soggy.
              When cool, store in an airtight container.
  • Alternatively, buy pre-toasted seeds, skip the toasting step and store in an airtight jar.
  • You can also refrigerate the seeds or freeze them and they stay good for more than 6 months.
  • Toasting these seeds has another interesting use as well. You can toss them over salads, rice or stir fries and you will be taking the dish to another level.

    • Thats it Folks! Happy Sesaming!

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    4 thoughts on “Sesame Seeds – Tit-Bits!”

    2. Thats such an interesting port PJ, i never knew there are brown and red color sesame! It sure does have lot of nutritional value and the tip on storing the sesame is so helpful! thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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