Believed to be one of the oldest oilseed crops, sesame seeds and sesame oil have recently started to make a name for themselves. The reason for this sudden popularity is that the new experimental generation of chefs and recent studies have started to highlight the health benefits of this oil. Indians, Africans, Southeast Asians and Middle Easterners have been using sesame oil in their cuisines for ages. Apart from cooking, it is also used for cosmetic and healing purposes, and for massages and treatments.

The cultivation of sesame seeds is believed to have originated in the Indian Subcontinent, about 5500 years ago. It was an easily cultivable crop, as it grew in drought-hit areas. The seeds are considered to be a symbol of prosperity and health. Sesame oil has been highly regarded in the Mediterranean and other cultures for centuries and finds extensive use as a massage oil in Ayurvedic treatments.

Different extraction processes give different colour and flavour to the sesame oil. The cold press process mostly used by the Westerners produces a pale yellow coloured oil. While the Indian sesame oil is golden, East Asian oils are dark brown as they are extracted from roasted seeds. The roasting of seeds gives a distinctive flavour to the East Asian oil and hence it is used mostly as a flavouring agent. The other two types of oil are used for cooking purposes.

Sesame oil is specifically rich in Vitamin K. Besides that the oil comprises monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats and palmitic acid. It also contains Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D and E, and phosphorous. Some of the proteins present in the sesame oil are beneficial for hair.

Middle Eastern countries, China, Korea and south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh extensively used Sesame oil for cooking purposes. Though refined oils have replaced these traditional oils, some parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh still use sesame oil for making curries and gravies. It is also used in the spice powder served with idlis and dosas. Low-grade oil is also used in soaps, paints, lubricants etc.

According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is most effective in balancing Vata and can also be used for Kapha, two of the three doshas or the regulating forces of nature. The oil is used for massage because the oil is nourishing, warm and has calming properties.  It is also used for healthier teeth and gums, and for lubricating bowels.

Basic facts about Sesame oil:

• Botanical name of Sesame - Sesamum indicum
• Family - Pedaliaceae
• Common Name - Til
• Sanskrit name - Tila
• Native region and geographical distribution - Though sesame is grown all over the world, Myanmar is the leading producer of sesame oil, producing 18.3% of the world’s total sesame oil production. China is the second largest producer of sesame oil, followed by India.
• Interesting facts - It is believed that the famous phrase “Open Sesame” from the Ali Baba tale in “One Thousand and One Nights” actually refers to the sesame plant. Sesame seeds grow in a pod that opens when it matures. It is believed that “open sesame” suggests the unlocking of the treasures.

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