Sesame seeds (sesamum indicum) is one of the most ancient oilseeds grown by man. Originally from the African and Asian continents, it has been spread around the world due to its great nutritional value and its resilience to drier climates.
Known as a superfood, sesame is extremely rich in mineral salts such as copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The sesame seed is extremely beneficial for cholesterol reduction once it provides natural nutrients that help to prevent hypertension and causes an increase of vitamin E in the human body. As well as that, sesame-based diets can lessen pain associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, vascular and respiratory osteoporosis, migraine, and pre-menstrual syndrome.
For manufacturing processes, the main applications for unhulled sesame seeds are de-hulling, oil extraction and tahini (sesame paste). Those products are turned into basic ingredients largely used in the culinary to prepare both sweet and savory dishes. The whole seed is used extensively in the cuisines of the Middle East and Asia. In Europe and North America, the seeds are used to flavor and garnish foods, particularly breads and baked goods.