Production area      

Sesame grows in tropical and subtropical areas The sesame seed plant is an annual with a branched stem that grows to a height of 0.6 – 1.2 m (2-4 feet). The small seeds vary in size up to 3.5 mm (1/8 inch). Color may range from yellowish white to red, brown and black. In India Sesame seeds are grown in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Sesame Seeds from Gujarat state is widely preferred due to its uniform colour and bold size.

Varieties

Natural Sesame Seeds Specifications

Uses
The simplest and now commonest use of sesame is as whole seeds sprinkled over cakes and breads, like poppy seeds. In Syria and Lebanon it is mixed with sumac and thyme to make the condiment zatar. Sesame is a key ingredient in halva, the Middle Eastern confection, where the seeds are ground and pressed into blocks with various sweet or nutty ingredients. Sesame in its ground form, tahini, is widely used throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. It is a flavouring for hummus, a sauce for kebabs and is often mixed with lemon and garlic to make a bread dip — a popular Arab appetizer or mezze. In Mexico, its oil is called ajonjoli which is frequently used for cooking. Black sesame appears frequently in Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes where meat or fish is rolled in the seeds before cooking for a crunchy coating. Black sesame is an ingredient of gomassio, the Japanese tabletop condiment, and other colourful rice and noodle dishes.

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