Sesame

Sesame is grown primarily for its oil-rich seeds, which come in a variety of colors, from cream-white to charcoal-black. Sesame is grown primarily for its oil-rich seeds, which come in a variety of colors, from cream-white to charcoal-black. Sesame seeds are sometimes added to breads, including bagels and the tops of hamburger buns. Sesame seeds are also sprinkled onto some sushi style foods. Whole seeds are found in many salads and baked snacks as well in Japan. In Greece the seeds are used in cakes. The seeds are also eaten on bread in Sicily and France.. Sesame is used extensively for preparing these two dishes. In Assam, black sesame seeds are hugely used to make Til Pitha and Tilor lar during bihu. Sesame seed cookies and wafers, both sweet and savory. The seeds are believed to have been brought into 17th century colonial America by West African slaves. Sesame oil is used for massage and health treatments of the body and teeth (oil pulling) in the ancient Indian ayurvedic system. Ayurveda views sesame oil as the most viscous of the plant oils and believes it may pacify the health problems associated with Vata aggravation.