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Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seed is the seed of an annual herb, Sesamum indicum, which grows well in hot climates. Sesame Seed is the most commonly produced seed.

Sesame is grown primarily for its oil-rich seeds, which come in a variety of colors, from cream-white to charcoal-black. In general, the paler varieties of sesame seem to be more valued in the West and Middle East, while the black varieties are prized in the Far East. The small sesame seed is used whole in cooking for its rich nutty flavour (although such heating damages their healthful poly-unsaturated fats), and also yields sesame oil.

Sesame seeds are sometimes added to breads, including bagels and the tops of hamburger buns. Sesame seeds may be baked into crackers, often in the form of sticks. Sesame seeds are also sprinkled onto some sushi style foods. Whole seeds are found in many salads and baked snacks as well in Japan. Tan and black sesame seed varieties are roasted and used for making the flavoring gomashio. In Greece seeds are used in cakes, while in Togo, seeds are a main soup ingredient. The seeds are also eaten on bread in Sicily and France. About one-third of the sesame crop imported by the United States from Mexico is purchased by McDonald's for their sesame seed buns.

Sesame seeds have a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible crunch. They come in a host of different colors, depending upon the variety, including white, yellow, black and red.

While sesame seeds have been grown in tropical regions throughout the world since prehistoric times, traditional myths hold that their origins go back even further. According to Assyrian legend, when the gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds.
These seeds were thought to have first originated in India and were mentioned in early Hindu legends. In these legends, tales are told in which sesame seeds represent a symbol of immortality. From India, sesame seeds were introduced throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

According to Assyrian legend, when the gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds. In early Hindu legends, tales are told in which sesame seeds represent a symbol of immortality. "Open sesame," the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity.

Relevant Recipes for Sesame Seeds

Recipe Names

  1. Baked Chicken With Toasted Sesame Seeds
  2. Braised Greens With Vinegar & Sesame Seeds
  3. Catfish Fillets With Sesame Seeds
  4. Catfish Fillets With Sesame Seeds
  5. Cold Tossed Asparagus With Sesame Seeds
  6. Halibut With Ginger, Scallion And Toasted Sesame Seeds
  7. Potatoes Cooked With Garlic And Sesame Seeds
  8. Potatoes With Sesame Seeds
  9. Shredded Chicken With Sesame Seeds
  10. Stir-Fried Asparagus With Almonds And Sesame Seeds

Recipe Ingredients

  1. "Hot" Grilled Trout
  2. "Paunch Phoron" Mix
  3. 'Buddha Bun' Vegetarian Filling
  4. A Red Chili Nightmare
  5. A Southern North African Sandwich
  6. Ahi Tuna Tartar With Sesame Asparagus Vinaigrette
  7. Al's Italian Bread
  8. Almond Chicken Salad With Ginger Marinade
  9. Almond-Raisin Granola
  10. Almost Chicken Tempura
  11. Aloo Achaar (Nepal Potato Salad)
  12. Aloo Ko Achar (Potato Salad)
  13. Ancho-Cashew Mole Sauce
  14. Another Pointe's Duck And Oriental Vegetable Spring Roll
  15. Arkansas Pecan Chicken Dish
  16. Armenian Thin Bread
  17. Arugula And Watercress Salad
  18. Asian 5 Spice Barbecued Pork, Mango Salsa, Frankie Wraps
  19. Asian Burger
  20. Asian Chicken Salad - Custom Cuisine
  21. Asian Chowder
  22. Asian Cobb Salad
  23. Asian Coleslaw
  24. Asian Flank Steak Salad Over Cold Noodles
  25. Asian Sesame Noodles
  26. Asian Slaw
  27. Asian Tofu Cakes
  28. Asian-American Ginger Burgers
  29. Asian-Style Alaska Pollock
  30. Asian-Style Corn, Avocado, And Sesame Salsa
  31. Asian-Style Green Papaya Salad
  32. Asparagus And Phyllo Cigars
  33. Asparagus With Spicy Sesame Vinaigrette
  34. Assorted Vegetables (Namool)
  35. Baba Ganoush - 3
  36. Baba Ghannouj
  37. Baghare Baigan - Spiced Eggplant - S. India
  38. Baked Chicken With Toasted Sesame Seeds
  39. Baked Five-Spice Seasoned Tofu
  40. Baked Guavas Stuffed With Mushrooms & Olives
  41. Baked Tamarind And Seed-Crusted Turkey Leg
  42. Bananas In Coconut Cream
  43. Bang Band Chicken
  44. Barbecue Pork-and-Coleslaw Hoagies (8.5 PTS)
  45. Barbecue Soy Burgers
  46. Barbecued Pork - Chinese Style
  47. Barbecued Rib Eye - {Bulgogi}
  48. Basic Italian Bread
  49. Batata Paua
  50. Bean Sprout Salad
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