Sesame seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that grow in pods on
the Sesamum indicum plant.
Unhulled seeds have the outer, edible husk intact, while hulled
seeds come without the husk. The hull gives the seeds a
golden-brown hue. Hulled seeds have an off-white color but turn
brown when roasted.
The
aroma and taste of sesame seed are mild and nutlike. The
chief
constituent
of the seed is its fixed
oil,
which usually amounts to about 44 to 60 percent. Noted for its
stability, the oil resists oxidative rancidity. The seeds are
also high in
protein
and are rich in
thiamin
and
vitamin B6.