Sesame | |
---|---|
Sesame plants | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Pedaliaceae |
Genus: | Sesamum |
Species: | S. indicum |
Binomial name | |
Sesamum indicum L. |
|
Synonyms | |
|
Nutritional value per 100 grams | |
---|---|
Energy | 573 kcal (2,400 kJ) |
23.4
|
|
Sugars | 0.3 |
Dietary fiber | 11.8 |
49.7
|
|
Saturated | 7.0 |
Monounsaturated | 18.8 |
Polyunsaturated | 21.8 |
17.7
|
|
Vitamins | |
Vitamin A | 9 IU |
Thiamine (B1) |
(69%)
0.79 mg |
Riboflavin (B2) |
(21%)
0.25 mg |
Niacin (B3) |
(30%)
4.52 mg |
Vitamin B6 |
(61%)
0.79 mg |
Folate (B9) |
(24%)
97 μg |
Vitamin C |
(0%)
0 mg |
Vitamin E |
(2%)
0.25 mg |
Minerals | |
Calcium |
(98%)
975 mg |
Iron |
(112%)
14.6 mg |
Magnesium |
(99%)
351 mg |
Phosphorus |
(90%)
629 mg |
Potassium |
(10%)
468 mg |
Sodium |
(1%)
11 mg |
Zinc |
(82%)
7.8 mg |
Other constituents | |
Water | 4.7 g |
|
|
|
|
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
Sesame (/ˈsɛsəmiː/; Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods or "buns". The world harvested 6.2 million metric tonnes of sesame seeds in 2014, with Tanzania, India, and Sudan as the largest producers.
Sesame seed is one of the oldest oilseed crops known, domesticated well over 3000 years ago. Sesamum has many other species, most being wild and native to sub-Saharan Africa. Sesamum indicum, the cultivated type, originated in India and is tolerant to drought-like conditions, growing where other crops fail.
Sesame has one of the highest oil contents of any seed. With a rich, nutty flavor, it is a common ingredient in cuisines across the world. Like other nuts and foods, it can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Sometimes sold with its seed coat removed (decorticated), this variety is often present on top of baked goods in many countries.
The word "sesame" is from Latin sesamum or Greek sēsamon; it also has derivation from Arabic semsem. From these roots, words with the generalized meaning “oil, liquid fat” were derived.
Sesame seed is considered to be the oldest oilseed crop known to humanity. The genus has many species, and most are wild. Most wild species of the genus Sesamum are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Sesame indicum, the cultivated type, originated in India.
Charred remains of sesame recovered from archeological excavations have been dated to 3500-3050 BC. Fuller claims trading of sesame between Mesopotamia and the Indian sub-continent occurred by 2000 BC. Some reports claim sesame was cultivated in Egypt during the Ptolemiac period, while others suggest the New Kingdom.