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NEWS |
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The Magic of Sesame Excerpt from April 2002 newsletter Patsy Flanigan
What the world needs now is a little magic to soften the harshness of everyday life. If that magic is rooted in reality, all the better.
We know the words "Open Sesame" are magic words that must lead to some exciting surprises. Are you ready? Yes, the sesame seed does in fact contain some surprising and delightful bits of magic beyond what any magician could contrive.
First of all, that tiny seed has packed inside of it, all the information and the power to grow into a plant up to 7 feet tall (though most are around three to four feet). The seeds are contained in pods, which pop open to scatter seeds in all directions. The plant can produce thousands of new seeds to assure longevity of the sesame,
The edible portion of the seed is contained in a hull, which is removed either chemically, with caustic soda, or mechanically. Flanigan Farms suppliers know that we accept only mechanically hulled seeds. Harvest time is between September and April.
Another bit of magic is that the oil that is pressed from the seed does not get rancid. It will keep for years even in hot climates and has a wide variety of uses. A warm sesame oil massage is considered essential to good health in Far Eastern countries where the seed is grown. India is a primary producer.
Nutritionally, the sesame seed surprises us once again. It is very high in calcium and magnesium, contains sesamin, a lignan exclusive to the sesame which is an antioxidant that seems to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the body as well as reducing production of cholesterol in the liver. Being from a plant, of course it does not contain cholesterol itself. In addition, the seeds are a good source of vitamin E and protein.
Maybe best of all, the sesame seed has a delightful nutty flavor, especially when toasted. It lends itself to a wide variety of recipes both sweet and savory. As a coating, it covers the gamut from cookies, to sesame sticks, to chicken and fish.
Ground into to a paste, it is sold as "Tahini" for use in many Far Eastern recipes. You can create magic in your own kitchen using this tiny seed that packs a powerful punch. |
