sezam

Sezam, or sesame, refers to the plant Sesamum indicum and its edible seeds. It is an annual oilseed crop in the Pedaliaceae family. Sesame is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back to ancient India and Africa around the third millennium BCE. The plant is usually short to medium in stature, with oval leaves and small tubular flowers that can be white, yellow, pink, or purple. Seed capsules release flat seeds when mature, which are harvested for eating or oil extraction.

Cultivation thrives in hot, arid to semi-arid tropical climates with well-drained soils and plenty of sun. Sesame is highly drought-tolerant and can be grown with minimal irrigation, but yields are sensitive to excessive rainfall and cool spells. The plant often flowers late and may shed seeds if stressed. The seeds are high in oil content (roughly 50-60%) and provide protein and minerals. The oil contains antioxidants such as sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin.

Uses: Seeds are eaten whole, roasted, or ground; ground into paste is used in tahini, halva, and as a flavoring in breads and pastries. Sesame oil is widely used for cooking and flavoring in many cuisines. In addition to food, sesame has historical uses in cosmetics and lamp oils in some cultures. Global production is concentrated in countries such as India, China, Myanmar, and various African nations. Economic and agronomic factors include pest pressures and variable rainfall, influencing harvests.