Sesame

The sesame plant is one of the oldest plants known, cultivated for its seeds and oil and has been especially valued in Mediterranean, African, and Eastern cultures.

It can be found in many varieties, especially white, tan or black. The tan color is the same as white, but whole. Use whole sesame seeds when possible.

It is used as a seed, a paste or oil. It has many culinary uses as well as healing and body oil uses. (Highly valued in Ayurvedic massage). The sesame oil can be used for light sautéing, as a body lotion or oil for massage.

Sesame:

• Is a warming food
• Contains over 35 percent protein, more than any other nut.
• Is a fantastic source of calcium when using whole sesame.
• Is about 50 percent oil, and is high in vitamin E, which makes sesame oil and butter highly stable and resistant to oxidation.
• Contains as much iron as liver, and it's rich in phosphorus, niacin, and thiamine. It has a unique surplus of two amino acids, methionine and tryptophan, which are usually lacking in popular vegetable protein foods.
• Contains essential fatty acids.
• Is low in carbohydrates and cholesterol-free.
• Is best used as unrefined oil, since it is very easily extracted and can be pressed at low temperatures.
• Does not become rancid easily because it contains "sesamol", an antioxidant naturally present in the oil.
• Contains moderate amounts of oxalate. Individuals with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones should avoid over consuming them.

Remedy use:

• Lubricates dryness (Relieves constipation. Add a few drops to food during cooking or take one to two tablespoons on an empty stomach.
• Detoxifies. (Destroys ringworm, scabies, and most fungal skin diseases).
• A superior massage oil for sore muscles and rheumatism/arthritis.
• Cooking: Whole organic sesame seeds can be used in baking and in condiments, confections, salads, and vegetable dishes.

Preparation:

• Washing the seeds removes any bitter taste. To wash, place the seeds in a bowl and fill with water; pour the seeds into a strainer, being careful not to pour out any of the sand or grit that may have settled in the bottom of the bowl.
• Toasting them enhances the flavor. Place on a pan over medium heat, moving them constantly, till a nutty aroma appears.

Recipes:

Sesame butter is made of whole roasted sesame seeds and may be used interchangeably with peanut butter. Simply spread sesame butter or paste on bread, add a layer of raw honey, and enjoy!

Tahini:

• 4 tablespoons sesame paste
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Mix all ingredients together.

A fantastic dip for carrots, peppers, broccoli, cucumbers and Pita bread. Dilute with more water to use as a salad dressing, serve over grain, chicken or steamed veggies.

Sweet Tahini:

I grew up mixing tahini paste with homemade jam and a splash of milk. Then eating it with Chala bread, Yum!

Gomasio (Condiment) A Japanese condiment used in macrobiotic cooking, and is a wonderful replacement for salt. It adds a salty flavor with less sodium and a lot more minerals.

• Sesame seeds (you can use the tan or black or both)
• Dulse granules,
• Nori seaweed
• Celtic sea salt (just a little)

1. Toast sesame seeds.
2. Grind the Nori sheets in a coffee grinder or a food processor.
3. Combine all ingredients, mix well, and place in a glass container. I use a container that has sprinkle holes on top. A Parmesan cheese shaker works great.

About half of what I make is the sesame (even more – depends how salty you want it), lots of seaweed and just a little salt. You can add more salt and less seaweed if you do not like the taste of it.

Sesame Spread:

Combine sesame seeds with honey, a pinch of carob, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Place all the ingredients in a coffee grinder and blend to a buttery consistency. You can do larger quantities in a food processor.

Use as a peanut butter replacement.

Halva is a sweet made of sesame and honey. If buying, make sure it has these ingredients rather than sugar and sesame or other added chemicals. Traditionally, women ate halva to prolong youth and beauty, and men ate it for strength and energy.

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"The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking." --Albert Einstein

Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Materials and products presented on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

©2008- 2011 Doron Hanoch

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