Sesame seeds are the flat, small oval seeds that come from the flowering plant sesame (Sesamum indicum), of the family Pedaliaceae. They have a delicate nutty-like taste, which adds a delightful flavor to a number of dishes. The seeds are especially valued for their high oil content, which is very resistant to rancidity. Since prehistoric times, sesame seeds have been used as ingredients in the cuisine culture of many regions around the world. In fact, they are regarded as one of the oldest condiment known to the human race, dating back to as early as 1600 BC. Sesame seeds come in a host of colors, like white, black, red and yellow and add a mild, delicate crunchy flavor to the dishes. At present, the leading commercial producers of sesame seeds are India, Mexico and China. To know about the high nutritional value present in the seeds, read the Food Rating Chart given below.
Sesame Seeds Nutrition Facts
Amount of Sesame Seeds: 1 cup
Total Weight of Sesame Seeds: 144 grams
|
Nutrients
|
Amount
|
|
Basic Components
|
|
|
Protein
|
25.5 g
|
|
Carbohydrates
|
33.8 g
|
|
Water
|
6.8 g
|
|
Ash
|
6.4 g
|
|
Calories
|
|
|
Total Calories
|
3484 KJ
|
|
Calories From Fat
|
2508 KJ
|
|
Calories From Carbohydrate
Calories From Protein
|
578 KJ
371 KJ
|
|
Fiber
|
|
|
Dietary Fiber
|
17.0 g
|
|
Starch
|
17.0 g
|
|
Sugar
|
0.4 g
|
|
Glucose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Sucrose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Fructose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Lactose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Maltose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Galactose
|
0.4 g
|
|
Fats
|
|
|
Total Fat
|
71.5 g
|
|
Saturated Fat
|
10.0 g
|
|
Mono Fat
|
27.0 g
|
|
Poly Fat
|
31.4 g
|
|
Vitamins
|
|
|
Vitamin A
|
13.0 IU
|
|
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)
|
7.2 mcg
|
|
Thiamin
|
1.1 mg
|
|
Riboflavin
|
0.4 mg
|
|
Niacin
|
6.5 mg
|
|
Vitamin B6
|
1.1 mg
|
|
Betaine
|
36.9 mg
|
|
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
|
0.4 mg
|
|
Vitamin E (Beta Tocopherol)
|
0.4 mg
|
|
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocopherol)
|
0.4 mg
|
|
Vitamin E (Delta Tocopherol)
|
0.4 mg
|
|
Folate
|
140 mcg
|
|
Choline
|
36.9 mg
|
|
Pantothenic Acid
|
0.1 mg
|
|
Minerals
|
|
|
Calcium
|
1404 mg
|
|
Copper
|
5.9 mg
|
|
Iron
|
20.9 mg
|
|
Magnesium
|
505 mg
|
|
Manganese
|
3.5 mg
|
|
Phosphorus
|
906 mg
|
|
Potassium
|
674 mg
|
|
Selenium
|
8.2 mcg
|
|
Sodium
|
15.8 mg
|
|
Zinc
|
11.2 mg
|
|
Saturated Fats
|
|
|
16:0 Palmitic
|
6395 mg
|
|
18:0 Stearic
|
3009 mg
|
|
Mono Fats
|
|
|
18:1 Oleic
|
26668 mg
|
|
Poly Fats
|
|
|
18:2 Linoleic
|
30776 mg
|
|
18:3 Linolenic
|
541 mg
|
|
Other Fats
|
|
|
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
|
541 mg
|
|
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
|
30776 mg
|
|
Amino Acids
|
|
|
Alanine
|
1335 mg
|
|
Arginine
|
3787 mg
|
|
Aspartate
|
2370 mg
|
|
Cystine
|
516 mg
|
|
Glutamate
|
5695 mg
|
|
Glycine
|
1750 mg
|
|
Histidine
|
752 mg
|
|
Isoleucine
|
1099 mg
|
|
Leucine
|
1955 mg
|
|
Lysine
|
819 mg
|
|
Methionine
|
844 mg
|
|
Phenylalanine
|
1354 mg
|
|
Proline
|
1167 mg
|
|
Serine
|
1392 mg
|
|
Threonine
|
1060 mg
|
|
Tryptophan
|
559 mg
|
|
Tyrosine
|
1070 mg
|
|
Valine
|
1425 mg
|
Buying & Storing Tips
- Sesame seeds can be purchased in both prepackaged containers and bulk bins. While purchasing them in bulk, ensure that the bins are covered properly and the store from which they are being purchased has a good product turnover.
- In whichever form you buy sesame seeds, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture.
- These seeds are very prone rancidity, due to their high oil content and hence should be checked properly to ensure maximum freshness.
- The ideal way to store un-hulled sesame seeds is by placing them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry and dark place.
- The hulled varieties, on the other hand, are very prone to rancidity and hence, should be stored inside the refrigerator or freezer.
