Freshly toasted sesame seeds have a more pronounced sweet and nutty flavor compared to mass-produced pre-toasted grocery store varieties. Luckily, they are super simple to toast at home.
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Origin
Sesame seeds are a part of the genus Sesamum. There are many wild species that are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Sesame seeds are the oldest known oilseed crop and some of the earliest evidence of their cultivation begins around 4,000 years ago in an area that is now Pakistan.
Sesame oil was used by the Babylonians and reached Egypt by 1500 BC. A Chinese man (Zhang Qian) sent by Emperor Han Wudi on a mission to the West is credited with introducing sesame seeds to China around 126 BC. Many Chinese varieties spread along the Silk Road.
Today China, India, and Myanmar are the largest producers.
Flavor
Roasted sesame seeds have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Black sesame seeds have a slightly more earthy flavor than white varieties.
Appearance
Sesame seeds are harvested from the pods of the sesame plant. They are small, oval, wafer-like seeds. Sesame seeds are covered in a husk that is usually removed before consumption. Most varieties we see sold in U.S. stores are already husked.
Storing
Roasted or raw sesame seeds can be stored for 3 to 6 months in an airtight container in a cool dry place. They can be frozen for up to one year. We typically roast enough to last only 2 to 4 weeks to maintain optimal flavor.
Uses
In China, you’ll find many brittle sweet treats made with sesame seeds and caramelized sugar. And of course, one of our favorites is using them to top sesame noodles! We also add them to sauteed tofu or anything we want to give a slightly nutty flavor.
They are also great sprinkled on top of loaves of bread or pastries and in salads and soups.
Nutrition
Sesame seeds are high in protein, vitamin B1, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals.
What you need for toasting
- Raw hulled sesame seeds
- Wok or another cooking pan
- Wok ladle or spatula
Instructions
Heat the pan to medium-low to medium heat. Add the sesame seeds.
Continuously move around the pan to avoid burning.
Continue moving the seeds around the pan until they become golden brown. We cook ours for around 8 – 10 minutes but it depends on the heat of your pan and how toasted you prefer the seeds.
Remove the seeds from your pan and spread them on a plate or baking sheet. Transfer them to an airtight container once they have completely cooled.
Hint: If you cook them at medium-low to medium heat, you shouldn’t have a problem with them burning. If they appear to be cooking too quickly then remove the pan from heat and allow your pan to cool before continuing.
📖 Recipe
How To Toast Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
What you need for toasting
- ½ cup Raw hulled sesame seeds
- Wok or other cooking pan
- Wok ladle or spatula
Instructions
- Heat the pan to medium-low to medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and continuously move around the pan to avoid burning.½ cup Raw hulled sesame seeds, Wok or other cooking pan, Wok ladle or spatula
- Continue moving the seeds around the pan until they become golden brown. We cook our around 8 – 10 minutes but it depends on the heat of your pan and how toasted you prefer the seeds.
- Remove the seeds from your pan and spread out on a plate or baking sheet. Transfer them to an airtight container once they have completely cooled.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition disclaimer
malaeats.com is created for informational purposes only. Although we do our best to provide nutritional information to our readers as a general guideline, we are not certified nutritionists and the nutritional values provided should be considered estimates. Numerous factors such as variations in fresh ingredients, brands purchased, etc. will alter the nutritional values in any recipe. Different online calculators also provide different results depending on their sources. To obtain accurate nutritional information for a recipe, please use your preferred nutrition calculator to determine nutritional information with the actual ingredients and quantities you used.
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Fritze
Yum! :))
Mala Eats Family
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