Healthy Food Database

Sesame seed

Sesame seeds come from the sesame plant. They date back as far as 3000BC when the Assyrians used them. The plant, native to the East Indies, grows pods containing the seeds. When the pods mature they burst with a pop - hence the phrase, "Open sesame".
Sesame seeds have a nutty, slightly sweet flavour and aroma which is enhanced by toasting. The seeds come in a variety of colours, mainly cream and black.

Category: Seed

In Season: all year

To Buy:

Because they have a high oil content, like many other seeds they can turn rancid if not stored properly. Buy sesame seeds from a shop with a high turnover of produce and buy them in small quantities.

To Store:

Unrefrigerated seeds should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to three months, refrigerated up to six months or frozen up to one year.

Tips & Tricks:

Always buy raw seeds and roast them yourself.

Cooking Tips:

Dry roast sesame seeds in a flat pan until they turn golden - sprinkle them on salads and stir-fries.

Find recipes with Sesame seed

Nutrition per 1 Tablespoon:

Weight (grams):

11.2

Carbohydrates, g:

0.1

Fat (g):

6.2

Monosaturated Fat , g:

2.5

Magnesium:

Salicylates:

High

Energy (kJ):

283

Protein (g):

2.5

Saturated Fat, g :

0.8

Vitamin B1:

Amines:

High

Glutamates:

n/a

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*