The world's largest sesame importer
Japan is the world's largest sesame importer. Sesame oil, particularly
from roasted seed, is an important component of Japanese cooking and
traditionally the principal use of the seed. China is the second-largest
importer of sesame, mostly oil-grade. China exports lower-priced food-
grade sesame seeds, particularly to Southeast Asia. Other major importers
are the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, and France.
[citation needed]
Sesame seed is a high-value cash crop. Prices have ranged between
US$800 and 1,700 per metric ton (810 and 1,730/long ton) between 2008
and 2010.[38][39]
Sesame exports sell across a wide price range. Quality perception,
particularly how the seed looks, is a major pricing factor. Most importers
who supply ingredient distributors and oil processors only want to
purchase scientifically treated, properly cleaned, washed, dried, colour-
sorted, size-graded, and impurity-free seeds with a guaranteed minimum
oil content (not less than 40%) packed according to international
standards. Seeds that do not meet these quality standards are considered
unfit for export and are consumed locally. In 2008, by volume, premium
prices, and quality, the largest exporter was India, followed by Ethiopia
and Myanmar.[10][40]
In a 100 g (3.5 oz) amount, dried whole sesame seeds provide
573 kilocalories and are composed of 5% water,
23% carbohydrates (including 12% dietary fiber), 50% fat, and
18% protein. A typical serving would be a tablespoon (9 grams), so
nutrient content and % Daily Value (%DV) per serving would be
approximately one-tenth of what is shown in the table.
The byproduct that remains after oil extraction from sesame seeds, also
called sesame oil meal, is rich in protein (35–50%) and is used as feed
for poultry and livestock.[10][11][35]
As many seeds do, whole sesame seeds contain a significant amount
of phytic acid, which is considered an antinutrient in that it binds to
certain nutritional elements consumed at the same time, especially
minerals, and prevents their absorption by carrying them along as they
pass through the small intestine. Heating and cooking reduce the amount
of the acid in the seeds.[42]
A meta-analysis showed that sesame consumption produced small
reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure;[43] another
demonstrated improvement in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin
A1c.[44] Sesame oil studies reported a reduction of oxidative
stress markers and lipid peroxidation.[45]
Sesame can trigger the same allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, as
seen with other food allergens.[12] A cross-reactivity exists between
sesame and peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds.[12][46] In addition to food
products derived from sesame seeds, such as tahini and sesame oil,
persons with sesame allergies are encouraged to be aware of foods that
may contain sesame, such as baked goods.[12][46][47] In addition to
food sources, individuals allergic to sesame have been warned that a
variety of non-food sources may also trigger a reaction to sesame,
including cosmetics and skin-care products.[47]
Prevalence of sesame allergy is on the order of 0.1-0.2%, but higher in
countries in the Middle East and Asia where consumption is more
common as part of traditional diets.[12] In the United States, sesame
allergy possibly affects 1.5 million individuals.[48][49]
Canada requires sesame labeling as an allergen.[47] In the European
Union, identifying the presence of sesame, along with 13 other foods,
either as an ingredient or an unintended contaminant in packaged food is
compulsory.[50] In the United States, the "FASTER Act" was passed in
April 2021, stipulating that labeling be mandatory,[13] to be in effect
January 1, 2023, making it the ninth required food ingredient for which
labeling is mandated within the United States.[51][52]
Contamination by Salmonella, E.coli, pesticides, or other pathogens may
occur in large batches of sesame seeds, such as in September 2020 when
high levels of a common industrial compound, ethylene oxide, was found
in a 250-tonne shipment of sesame seeds from India.[55][56] After
detection in Belgium, recalls for dozens of products and stores were
issued across the European Union, totaling some 50 countries.[55]
[56] Products with an organic certification were also affected by the
contamination.[57] Regular governmental food inspection for sesame
contamination, as for Salmonella and E. coli in tahini, hummus or seeds,
has found that poor hygiene practices during processing are common
sources and routes of contamination.[58]
