Sesame (seeds)

Description

Sesame (seeds) has a delicate, slightly nutty and sweet flavor, and a small, flat shape in shades of cream, gold, or black. When toasted, it releases a more intense aroma and crunchiness. In the kitchen, it is versatile: used whole as a topping for bread and salads, ground into tahini paste, pressed for oil, and as an ingredient in spreads, dressings, marinades, coatings, and sweet baked goods. Sesame seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, plant protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, as well as lignans (sesamin) and B vitamins, which support heart health, bone health, and metabolism, and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To maintain freshness, it is best to store them in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place; ground seeds and sesame oil lose freshness more quickly, so it is best to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.