Seesamiöljyä

Seesamiöljyä, commonly known as sesame oil, is a vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. It is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Asia, and is valued for its distinctive flavor and aroma. There are two main types of sesame oil: unrefined and refined. Unrefined sesame oil, often called toasted sesame oil, is made from seeds that have been roasted before pressing, giving it a rich, nutty taste and dark color. Refined sesame oil is made from raw seeds and has a milder flavor and lighter color.

Sesame oil is a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant, and several beneficial plant compounds. In cooking, it is used as a flavoring agent, a dressing, or a cooking oil. Due to its relatively low smoke point, unrefined sesame oil is typically used as a finishing oil or in stir-fries rather than for high-heat frying.

Beyond its culinary uses, sesame oil has a long history in traditional medicine and beauty practices. It is believed to have moisturizing properties and is sometimes used in skincare and massage. The production of sesame oil involves crushing the sesame seeds to extract the oil, which can be done through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. The seeds themselves are small and oval, growing in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant.