Sesame seed

Browse All Sesame seed Recipes | Browse All Black sesame seed Recipes

Name Variations

 * benne seed
 * goma

About Sesame seed
Wikipedia Article About Sesame seed on Wikipedia

History tells us that sesame seed is the first recorded seasoning, dating back to 3000 B.C. Assyria. It grows widely in India and throughout the Orient. The seeds were brought to America by African slaves, who called it benn6 (pronounced BEHNnee) seed, and it subsequently became very popular in Southern cooking. These tiny, flat seeds come in shades of brown, red and black, but those most commonly found are a pale grayish-ivory. Sesame seed has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes it versatile enough for use in baked goods such as breads, pastries, cakes and cookies. The seed is available packaged in supermarkets and can be found in bulk in Middle Eastern markets and health-food stores. Because of a high oil content, sesame seed turns rancid quickly. it can be stored airtight in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months, refrigerated up to 6 months or frozen up to a year.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. The precise natural origin of the species is unknown. It is widely naturalised in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds.

Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to man. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. "Open sesame"—the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights—reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity.

Health Benefits

 * rich in minerals
 * copper - relief for rheumatoid arthritis
 * magnesium - vascular and respiratory health
 * calcium - prevention of colon cancer, osteoporosis, migraines and PMS
 * zinc - bone health

Sesame seed Variations
Japanese for sesame seed. Sbiro goma is unhulled white sesame seed, muki goma is hulled white seed and kuro goma is black sesame seed. Goma abura is sesame seed oil. All four products are available in Asian markets.
 * Goma

Sesame seed Recipes

 * Black sesame seed Recipes