Florentina Lewis
Sesame oil can score with many nutrients and a nutty note in the kitchen. It is also used in many ways in body care. Which ingredients make the oil so special and what is the best way to store it?
Origin of Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is healthy and especially popular in Chinese cuisine. Sesame has been grown for oil production for thousands of years. It has its origin in Africa. From there it was also brought to Asia. In India, China, and Japan, in particular, the use of sesame oil has long been appreciated.
The essence has a long tradition, as sesame is one of the oldest oil plants in the world. Its use is by no means limited to the culinary field: In India, for example, the oil is also used externally for body care in Ayurveda medicine.
Sesame oil: Valuable ingredients
Sesame oil not only tastes pleasantly nutty. It is also extremely healthy thanks to the following ingredients:
- Linoleic acid. The unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid has a positive effect on the heart and cholesterol levels. It can also lower high blood pressure and is said to protect against osteoporosis and calcified arteries.
- Antioxidants. The valuable sesame oil contains healthy antioxidants that render free radicals harmless and are therefore said to prevent many diseases. In addition, thanks to these substances, the oil does not go rancid so quickly.
- Lecithin. Sesame oil has a high lecithin content. This is a natural nutrient found in cell membranes. It strengthens the cell walls and makes them more flexible. In addition, lecithin is said to make the brain more efficient.
- Vitamins. In addition to vitamin A, vitamin E is also found in sesame oil. Vitamin A has a positive effect on vision, while vitamin E makes a valuable contribution to cell protection.
Can you use sesame oil for frying?
Sesame oil is available as light and dark oil. The light essence of untreated sesame seeds has a subtle taste. It is versatile and ideal for roasting and cooking. Because it is not sensitive to heat, it is also ideal for frying.
The dark oil, on the other hand, is pressed from roasted sesame seeds and tastes much stronger. It should only be eaten cold, for example in a salad. It is not suitable for heating.
Sesame oil as cooking oil
In culinary terms, oil from sesame is used particularly in Asian recipes: the light sesame oil is ideal for preparing wok dishes. But it can also give an interesting touch to numerous fish or meat dishes thanks to its nutty taste.
As a frying oil, it is particularly suitable for tempura. The dark oil can be drizzled over a finished dish as a seasoning oil or processed into a dressing. Sesame oil is great for adding an interesting, nutty flavor to stir-fries, soups, or salads.
Sesame oil for skin and hair
Sesame oil is also suitable for body care because it is particularly skin-friendly thanks to its linoleic acid content. In Ayurveda, for example, sesame oil is used as a massage oil. As a tincture, it is helpful for dry skin.
In addition, sesame oil can be used as a nourishing hair treatment for stressed hair: the oil is applied sparingly to the length of the hair. After half an hour, wash off the treatment as normal with shampoo. The result is healthy, shiny hair. The procedure can be repeated weekly.
Purchase and storage of sesame oil
Sesame oil is mainly found in Asian markets. Here you can choose between numerous different variations and sizes.
If you value organic quality, you can usually find the oil in health food stores or health food stores. Many supermarkets have now included the essence in their range. Sesame oil has a fairly long shelf life: stored in a cool, dark place, it can be enjoyed for up to a year.
Conclusion: Sesame oil is a healthy alternative
Sesame oil contains numerous valuable ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants. The oil is also rich in unsaturated fatty acids and therefore makes a good contribution to a healthy diet.
While the light version can be heated without any problems, the dark variety is used as a seasoning oil. You can buy healthy sesame oil in Asian markets, organic shops, or well-stocked supermarkets.
