A quick lesson on Sesame Seeds...

Have you ever wondered if you planted sesame seeds, what you would get?

You never see a sesame plant, or tree...

You really only see them stuck to your bun, or in your food...

We all know about sesame oil, but, what really is the point of this plant?

Kingdom:
Plantae

Division:
Magnoliophyta

Class:
Magnoliopsida

Order:
Lamiales

Family:
Pedaliaceae

Genus:
Sesamum

Species:
S. indicum

From All About Sesame Seeds
"Most folks know that "Open Sesame” granted the thieves entry into the robber’s den in the world of The Arabian Nights. But how many know that the word sesame was chosen because when the seeds pop from the pod, the sound is similar to that of a lock being opened? So goes one myth surrounding this ancient tale that includes an ancient seasoning.

Used both medicinally and as a food, sesame seeds and the oil pressed from them have been documented back to 1550 B.C. The oil proved invaluable for cooking to those countries that had no olive trees, Marco Polo observed in 1298. Still today, the seeds and oil are used in large quantities all over the world. Orientals consider sesame a staple food.

Approximately four billion pounds are produced each year, most of the seeds are pressed into oil. China is the largest producer but the United States is active in production as well. We grow the herb in Texas, Louisiana, California and Arizona. Planted from seed, a commercially grown plant can reach six feet in about four months. Harvesting must be handled with care since the capsule, or pod, that holds the seeds will shatter upon ripening.

Sesame seeds are available hulled or unhulled. We are probably most familiar with the milky white hulled seeds found on baked goods. Unhulled, the seeds vary in colors such as assorted shades of brown, black and even red. Black seeds are difficult to obtain but make a most attractive garnish."

If you didn't know...

Now you know...


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