Sesame oil isn't grown, sesame seeds are grown. Sesame oil is produced by extracting oil from those seeds, typically through mechanical pressing.
Here's a breakdown of how sesame seeds are grown and then how the oil is extracted:
1. Sesame Seed Cultivation:
- Climate: Sesame thrives in warm climates with sufficient rainfall. It's drought-tolerant, making it a good crop in some arid regions.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is optimal.
- Planting: Sesame seeds are small and require careful planting. They can be broadcast (scattered) or planted in rows.
- Growing Season: Sesame has a relatively short growing season, typically 90-120 days.
- Harvesting: Harvesting sesame is tricky because the seed pods shatter easily when ripe, leading to seed loss. Farmers often harvest the plants when the capsules at the bottom of the stem are ripe, but those at the top are still green. The plants are then hung upside down to dry, allowing the remaining capsules to ripen and release their seeds.
- Major Growing Regions: Africa and Asia are the primary producers of sesame seeds.
2. Sesame Oil Extraction:
- Cleaning: After harvest, the sesame seeds are cleaned to remove impurities like dirt and plant debris.
- Processing (Optional): Some sesame seeds are hulled (outer layer removed) before oil extraction. This can affect the color and flavor of the oil.
- Pressing:
- Cold Pressing: This method involves mechanically pressing the sesame seeds without the use of heat. It's considered the best method for retaining the oil's flavor and nutritional value.
- Expeller Pressing: Similar to cold pressing, but may involve some frictional heat.
- Solvent Extraction (Less Common): In some industrial settings, solvents like hexane are used to extract the oil. This method yields more oil but can leave solvent residues.
- Refining (Optional): Some sesame oil is refined to remove impurities, improve color, and extend shelf life. However, refining can also remove some of the beneficial compounds in the oil.
3. Types of Sesame Oil:
- Light Sesame Oil: Typically made from hulled seeds and has a mild flavor.
- Dark Sesame Oil: Made from unhulled seeds and has a stronger, nuttier flavor. Often used in Asian cuisine.
In summary, while we say sesame oil is "grown," it's more accurate to say that sesame seeds are grown, and the oil is extracted from those seeds through pressing.
