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 to 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.
- Whitish Sesame (Sortex)
- Whitish Sesame (Sinnar)
- Whitish Sesame (Rabak, Kosti)
- Whitish Sesame (Kordofan)
- Reddish Sesame
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 and do not provoke a rise in blood sugar levels. While sesame seeds have a high-fat content, it is primarily polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. These seeds can be a good source of protein.
- Reduce the risk of a number of diseases.
- Promotes healthy red blood cells.
- Enhances metabolism and produces energy.
- Provides vitamins that strengthen hair, muscles, and bones.
- Contains monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of strokes and heart disease.
