Differences Between Black Sesame and Natural White Sesame Seeds

Domesticated about 3000 years back, sesame seeds are one of the oldest oilseed crops out there and continue to surprise us by their versatility, uses, nutritional value and taste. These nutty and crunchy little kernels are packaged with amazing nutrients which can prove amazing for the health. Sesame seeds are low glycemic foods which are a wonderful source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and potential anti-cancer properties as well. The two of the most popular varieties of sesame seeds available to man include black sesame seeds and natural white sesame seeds. Both these varieties have health promoting properties but differ on a few grounds. The following is a detailed variation and points of differences between black and natural white sesame seeds.

Appearance
The most obvious and identifiable difference between the two is the difference in their colour. As the names very well suggest, black sesame seeds are black in colour whereas the white sesame seeds are white or light creamish in colour. Black sesame seeds are usually not hulled which means that their outer casing is not removed while the same is not necessarily true for natural white sesame seeds.

Taste
Another broad difference between black and white sesame seeds is the difference in the flavour or taste of both. Where on one hand, black sesame seeds have a slightly bitter taste, white sesame seeds have an earthy and nutty taste. Natural white sesame seeds are thus mostly used in sweet recipes like cakes, sesame bars, and other desserts. But black sesame seeds are mostly utilised to produce the highest quality sesame oil.

Uses and Applications
Black and white sesame seeds are used for different purposes and this is one reason why top sesame seed manufacturers and exporters like HL Agro produce both varieties in almost equal bulk amounts. While natural white sesame seeds are used widely in many food products and in several recipes across the world, black sesame seeds are pressed for oil and also used in making alternative medicines. One of the most popular recipes that are made using natural white sesame seeds is tahini which is a side dip used in Lebanese or Arabic cuisine. On the other hand, black sesame seeds have been associated with their benefits of hair growth and their health promoting properties.

Nutritional Value
It is a fact that black sesame seeds consist of more calcium content than white sesame. Both of them are an excellent course of copper and magnesium as well and consist of almost the same amount of it. Both of the varieties have a high mineral content and are eaten as an excellent alternative to milk by those suffering from milk allergies because they are high on calcium content.

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