The production of sesame oil
The aromatic sesame oil is taken from mature sesame seeds through cold-pressing or through warm-pressing, extraction, refinement and filtration. The type of production produces two distinct types of sesame oil: oil from unroasted seeds is known as light sesame oil, and oil from roasted seeds is known as dark sesame oil.
The unshelled seeds from dried sesame capsules are first cleaned, dried, and then according to the pressing method, are conditioned with steam, which allows the oil to be more easily separated. Following this, the seeds are possibly roasted (should dark oil be desired) and then re-hydrated using water vapor. Oil may only be obtained from the seeds through extraction. Although extraction enables an oil yield of nearly 100%, mechanically pressed oil nevertheless has a higher quality. Finally, the sesame oil is run through all of the filtration levels of an oil mill and subsequently bottled.
The press cake, the by-product from the oil production, has a high protein content and is thus commonly used in animal feed.
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Valuable properties of sesame oil
Sesame oils differ not only in production method, but also in characteristics. Oil from untreated sesame seeds, when cold-pressed, has a clear, light to golden yellow tinge, whereas warm-pressed oil is darker. Refined sesame oil forms a clear, light yellow liquid; sesame oil from roasted seeds features a dark brown color.
Cold-pressed sesame oil is nearly odorless, yet does possess a typical sesame note and smells faintly pungent, roasted, and oily. The smell of sesame oil from roasted seeds, however, is typical, intense, and reminiscent of popcorn.
When stored in a dark, unopened bottle in a cooled location, the shelf life is approximately 12 months. Opened bottles keep only 3 to 6 months.
Discover the many possible uses of sesame oil!
Pharmaceutical and medical use
Sesame oil is used in the pharmaceutical sector as a solvent and carrier for drugs, mainly for the production of oily injection solutions and injection suspensions for steroids. It can also be used instead of olive oil in the production of plasters and ointments. The fatty composition of sesame oil is also said to have a positive effect on blood clotting and strengthen cardiac activity. Another advantage is that this oil can promote growth and reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. Finally, the lignan sesamin has an immunosuppressive effect.
Cold-pressed sesame oil contains a large amount of lecithin, which is important for the nervous system, brain, liver, gall bladder and mucous membranes and can lead to a reduction in elevated blood fat and cholesterol levels. These secondary plant substances from the lignanan group act as powerful antioxidants, have bactericidal properties and can also be used medicinally against tumors.
In folk medicine
In the field of naturopathy, sesame oil is used to treat mild forms of constipation and is also effective as a massage oil and for removing scabs and crusts from the skin. According to the “Lexikon der pflanzlichen Fette und Öle”, the oil also protects the skin from the sun’s rays with a sun protection factor of 2.
It is used in oil massages, forehead oil pours and oil pulling cures and is used to strengthen the immune system, support metabolic processes in the body and remove toxins such as heavy metals or organic solvents from the skin.
A true all-rounder in cosmetics
Sesame oil is also used here. For example, it is used as a good skin care oil for baby skin care and in cosmetic products such as body and massage oils, as it helps against dry and flaky skin. Other benefits of sesame oil are that it is quickly absorbed by the skin and promotes blood circulation.
Sesame oil is very useful in agriculture
In this area, sesame oil is often used in insecticides as a carrier or as a synergistic component. The advantage of this is that the percentage of pyrethrum contained in these products can be reduced by around half.
Sesame oil is indispensable in the kitchen
It gives dishes an unmistakable taste and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The darker oil obtained from the roasted seeds is often used as a seasoning in Asian cuisine due to its strong, spicy aroma. However, its nutty aroma can also be used in Europe to complement salads, fish or wok dishes, soups, marinades, desserts or even muesli. Light-colored sesame oil, on the other hand, is used more as an edible oil for cooking, frying, deep-frying and roasting or for smoking meat, fish, vegetables or soybean products.
In addition to their own knowledge acquired through press trials, the following sources were used to create the article:
- Öle, natürlich kaltgepresst, Basiswissen & Rezepte, Marcus Hartmann, Hädecke, 2008
- Heilende Öle, Pflanzenöle als Nahrungs- und Heilmittel, Neue Erkenntnisse, Günter Albert Ulmer Verlag Tuningen
- Lexikon der pflanzlichen Fette und Öle, Krist, Buchbauer, Klausberger, SpringerWienNewYork, 2008
- www.wikipedia.de
- en.wikipedia.org
