Sheqi Sesame

Sheqi Sesame

　　Sesame, from the Pedaliaceae family, is the seed of the plant Sesamum indicum. Although its close relatives are found in Africa, the natural origin of the species remains unknown. It is widespread in tropical regions around the world. Sesame is one of China’s top four edible oilseed crops and a major oil-producing plant in the country. Sesame products have high practical value. Its seeds contain up to 61% oil. Since ancient times, China has produced many famous and delicious foods and dishes made with sesame and sesame oil, which have long been renowned worldwide.

Sesame was originally called “huma” (胡麻), and it is said to possibly originate from Africa or India. Legend has it that it was introduced to China by Zhang Qian during the Western Han Dynasty when he opened up the Silk Road to the Western Regions. However, scientific research now confirms that sesame is native to China’s Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Ancient sesame seeds have been discovered at the Neolithic site of Qianshanyang in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, and at the prehistoric site of Shuitianfan in Hangzhou, proving that China is also the homeland of sesame.

The entire plant is covered with fine hairs. The stem is upright, about 1 meter tall, round at the base and square above. The inflorescence is terminal, with solitary flowers or two to three flowers clustered in the leaf axils. The flowers are tubular, labiate, and light red, purple, or white in color. Depending on the variety, the long cylindrical fruit has 4, 6, or 8 ridges. The seeds are flat and round, and come in white, yellow, brownish-red, or black. White seeds have a higher oil content, while black seeds are used medicinally. They taste sweet and have a neutral nature, and are believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, moisturize dryness, and relieve constipation.

Sesame oil contains a large amount of essential fatty acids required by the human body, with linoleic acid content as high as 43.7%, higher than that of rapeseed oil and peanut oil. The stems, leaves, and flowers of sesame can all be used to extract aromatic oils.　

Sesame oil produced by stone milling is highly fragrant and remains consistently popular in the international market. In addition, sesame paste, which is equally well-known, is also in high demand.

Sesame flowers contain nectar glands, and along with rapeseed and buckwheat, they are known as China’s three major honey source crops. Among them, sesame honey is considered the highest quality.

Sesame provides the body with vitamin E, B1, and calcium. Especially its “linoleic acid” component can help remove cholesterol attached to blood vessel walls. To fully absorb these leg-beautifying nutrients, grind the sesame into powder before consumption or buy ready-made sesame paste directly.