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Description
Sesame is the dried, oval-shaped seed of the herb Sesamum
indicum. Sesame Seed is harvested by hand. The seeds have a rich
nut-like flavor when toasted. Sesame Seed contains 25 percent
protein.
Uses
Sesame Seeds are used to add texture and flavor to a variety of
breads, rolls, crackers, and salad dressings. Middle Eastern,
Muslim, and Asian seasoning blends use crushed, whole, and
toasted Sesame Seeds for flavor and texture.
Origins
Most of the Sesame Seed sold in the United States is grown in
Mexico, Central America and China.
Folklore
Sesame seed may be the oldest condiment known to man and
probably was the first crop grown for its edible oil. The
Babylonians made sesame cakes, wine, and brandy and used the oil
for cooking and toiletries. Sesame was used by the Egyptians as
a medicine as early as 1500 B.C. "Open Sesame" was the magical
password that opened the entrance to the cave in Ali Baba and
the Forty Thieves. This reference is perhaps attributable to the
fact that ripe sesame seed pods open with a sharp pop at the
slightest touch. Late in the 17th and 18th centuries, slaves
brought the seed to America. In some parts of the South, it is
still known, as "benne," which was its name in the African
(Bantu) dialect. |
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