Sesame seeds are one of the most ancient oilseed crops known to mankind. These seeds have been used for numerous health benefits and to flavor food for thousands of years and are especially valued in the Mediterranean, Eastern, and African cultures. In addition to white sesame, many other identified species of sesame exist, most being wild and native to sub-Saharan Africa. The size and color of sesame seeds vary with thousands of varieties. Although sesame seed color depends on the cultivar, the most traded variety of sesame is off-white-colored. Other common colors are buff, tan, gold, brown, reddish, gray, and black. Typically, the seeds are about 3-4mm long and 2mm wide with a thickness of 1mm.
Sudan has an abundant resource of sesame seeds and produces a high percentage of the world’s annual exports. The Sudanese sesame seeds are cultivated entirely under rainfed conditions in Kassala, Southern Kordofan, White Nile, and the Blue Nile.
Types Of Sesame In Sudan:
Sesame is found in Sudan in different colors, each color has a different oil content.
- Reddish Sesame
- Whitish Sesame (Sortex)
- Whitish Sesame (Sinnar)
- Whitish Sesame (Rabak, Kosti)
- Whitish Sesame (Kordofan)
Benefits:
Sesame seeds are rich in minerals; they are an excellent source of copper and a very good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. They have two types of beneficial lignan fiber that are not found in other plants. Not only is this fiber good for digestive health, but it may also have effects in lowering bad cholesterol. While sesame seeds have a high-fat content, it is primarily polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. These seeds can be a good source of protein. They have a very low glycemic index, meaning that they do not provoke a rise in blood sugar levels after they are consumed.
- Reduces the risk of some diseases and improves the patient condition, including osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
- Maintains healthy red blood cells, as it contains vitamin B and some minerals that contribute to the development of red blood cells and improve their functions.
- Enhance metabolism and energy production, as it contains some important vitamins necessary for that and for maintaining the strength of hair, muscles, and bones.
- Contains monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, when used instead of saturated fats, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.
