Sesame: useful properties, cultivation, types, care and use
Sesame is a plant that is grown in various parts of the world and is used in cooking, cosmetics, medicine and even in industry. Its popularity has only increased over time due to its taste, nutritional properties and numerous he alth benefits. Let's take a closer look at some interesting facts about it, as well as tell you how to properly grow this plant and what benefits you can get from it.
Description of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are a food product that is obtained from the mature seeds of the plant, also known as sesame. This product is used to add to dishes to give them a deep taste and aroma.
Seeds are rich in fatty oils, proteins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. The composition also includes B vitamins, vitamin E and other antioxidants. In addition, they contain linoleic acid, which is considered a beneficial fatty acid for the body.
Seeds can be used both fresh and roasted. They have a delicate nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They can be added to salads, sauces, casseroles and baked goods. They are also often used in Asian cuisine to make sauces and marinades.
They are also an important source of dietary fiber, which helps support a he althy digestive process. In addition, they can help lower blood cholesterol levels and improve bone he alth.
Can be stored in a dark and dry place for up to 4 months. Before use, it is recommended to roast the seeds in a dry frying pan to bring out their aroma and taste.
Chemical elements of sesame
This grain is a source of nutrients. The plant contains various chemical elements that have a positive effect on human he alth.
One of the main elements contained in sesame is calcium. It is an essential element for he althy bones and teeth, and also helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and muscle and nerve function. The plant contains a significant amount of calcium, so it is an excellent product for those who care about bone he alth.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionAnother important element is iron. It plays a key role in transporting oxygen to the tissues. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, so eating sesame seeds can help maintain normal levels of the element in the body.The culture is also rich in magnesium, which regulates blood sugar levels, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, helps to cope with stress and improves sleep quality. Due to the high content of magnesium, sesame seeds can be an excellent product for people suffering from diabetes or problems with the cardiovascular system.
In addition, the plant contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E helps protect body cells from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues. It helps maintain he althy skin and improves immune system function.
Sesame also contains many other useful elements, such as manganese, phosphorus, copper, zinc and many others.
Useful and harmful properties
The most obvious use of sesame is in cooking.Sesame oil, obtained from seeds, is used for cooking in many cuisines around the world. Sesame seeds are used as a seasoning for meat dishes, salads and sauces. They are also suitable for making traditional sweets.
However, seeds should not be abused due to their high calorie content. 100 grams contains about 570 calories, so consume them in moderation so as not to lead to overweight.
Also, some people may experience allergic reactions to sesame. If you have allergies, do not use it to avoid anaphylactic shock or other negative reactions of the body.
The plant contains small amounts of oxalates, which can cause problems for people prone to kidney stones. Therefore, if you have problems with these organs, discuss the use of sesame seeds with your doctor.
In general, eating sesame seeds in moderation can be beneficial for their nutritional benefits, but be careful when consuming.
Seeds are also used in cosmetics. They contain vitamin E, which helps improve skin condition, and omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. The oil is used as an ingredient in many beauty products such as creams, masks and lotions.
Sesame also has many medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the oil is used to treat skin conditions, boost the immune system, and improve digestion. The seeds can also help control cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
In addition, sesame is used in religious and cultural rites. In India, for example, seeds are used in rituals and as a decorative element in jewelry. In Japan, sesame is used to make costumes for theater performances and festivals.
Black and white sesame - the difference
Unlike white sesame, which goes through a peeling process, black sesame is left in a natural shell, which makes it more nutritious and rich.
The black kind has a more intense taste and smell than the white one. It also contains more fatty acids, protein, calcium and other nutrients than white. White, on the other hand, is softer and more delicate in taste and is commonly used in cooking for sweet dishes.
Both varieties have he alth benefits such as improving digestion, lowering blood cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and boosting immunity. In addition, they may also help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
However, eating the black species may have some limitations for people suffering from certain medical conditions such as kidney stones, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and seed allergies. Therefore, before using black or white sesame as a food, you should consult a doctor or nutritionist.
Nuances of planting and growing
This culture grows in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is known for its small, round seeds that can be used in cooking and cosmetics. However, few people know what the plant looks like and how it grows.
Sesame belongs to the Plantain family and can grow from 60 cm to 1 m in height. It has small green leaves that are about 3 cm long. The plant begins to bloom in the first year of life, during the summer period, and may continue to bloom for many years.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionThe flowers can be white, pink, or purple and are in racemes up to 20 cm long. Each flower contains seeds that mature over time and are ready to be harvested.Sesame is grown from seeds that are sown in the soil.They should be placed at a depth of 2 cm and at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other. The plant needs heat and sun, so it is best to grow it in a warm climate. It also needs well-drained soil and regular watering.
With proper care, sesame seeds can grow up to 1m in height in one season. At the same time, it can be grown on your own plot, even without gardening experience. To obtain a harvest, it is important to properly prepare the soil and plant sesame seeds on time.
How to plant correctly
It is important to follow 4 steps here.
- Step 1. Choose a landing site. Before you start planting sesame, you need to choose a place for its cultivation. He prefers sunny places with a well-thought-out drainage system. Therefore, choose a site in the area where there is enough sunlight, and where the water does not stay long after the rains.
- Step 2. Preparing the soil. It needs well-drained soil rich in nutrients. Before sowing, weed the soil and remove all weeds. Then add organic fertilizers, such as humus or compost, to the soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Step 3. Sowing. Sesame can be grown from seeds. You can buy them in a store or online. The black and white view look the same but differ in size. Black seeds are smaller than white ones. Soak them in warm water for several hours before sowing. This will help speed up germination. Then sow to a depth of 1-2 cm, keeping a distance of 10-15 cm between them. After sowing, fill the soil.
- Step 4. Further care of the planted plant. Sesame does not need special care, but requires a sufficient amount of moisture. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry summer climates. Do not let the soil dry out, but also avoid its stagnation. Hill seedlings to keep moisture in the soil.If necessary, you can use fertilizer to increase the yield.
How to grow
Growing sesame seeds can be a fairly simple process, but there are a few things to consider in order to get the best quality crop. Firstly, for planting, you should choose a sunny place, protected from the wind. Secondly, the culture needs a drainage system, so the land should be prepared and enriched with compost or humus before planting.
If you are going to grow sesame from seeds, then they need to be soaked in water for a couple of hours so that they swell and germinate better. After that, it is worth planting to a depth of 1.5-2 cm, keeping a distance of 15-20 cm between them.
One of the nuances to consider when growing sesame is frequent watering. Sesame loves moisture, especially during growth and flowering. However, excess moisture can cause root rot, so it's important to keep the soil moist but not too wet.Water regularly, especially on hot summer days.
In addition, mineral fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be used for better growth. But you should not overdo it with fertilizers, so as not to overload the plant and damage the roots.
Finally, it is important to note that sesame has a high resistance to diseases and pests, which makes it ideal for growing even at home. However, if you do not follow the conditions for caring for a plant, it can become a victim of various diseases and pests. Some of the more common sesame diseases include late blight, gray mold and rust.
Interesting facts
Sesame is a grain that has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. Despite the fact that this product is widely distributed around the world, few people know about it some important facts.
- The origin of the name. The name "sesame" comes from the Sanskrit word "tila" , which means "small" . This is because sesame seeds are really very small.
- Sesame is one of the oldest known crops. The seeds have been grown in India and China for over 5,000 years. They were widespread in Egypt, Greece and Rome and played an important role in medicine and religious ceremonies.
- The plant contains a high level of iron. 100 grams of seeds contain 14 mg of iron. This makes them useful for those suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
- This is one of the richest sources of calcium. 100 grams of sesame contains 975 mg of calcium. This makes it a valuable product for those suffering from osteoporosis.
- 100 grams of sesame contains 350 mg of magnesium.
- It is a natural antioxidant. The seeds contain antioxidants that help protect cells from free radicals and prevent premature aging.
- This is a great source of protein. 100 grams contains 18 grams of protein. This makes sesame a valuable product for those who monitor their he alth and play sports.
