Sesame seeds are processed through several key stages: soaking, dehulling, separation, and cleaning. This process prepares them for various uses, from culinary applications to oil extraction.
Steps in Sesame Seed Processing
Here's a breakdown of the sesame seed processing steps:
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Soaking (or Steeping): The initial step involves soaking the sesame seeds in water. This allows the seeds to absorb water, causing them to swell and soften. This hydration is crucial for the next step, dehulling. Soaking makes the seed coat easier to remove.
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Dehulling: Dehulling is the process of removing the outer hull or husk from the sesame seeds. This is often achieved through mechanical means, using gentle friction and vertical alignment. The softened hulls are more easily separated from the kernel.
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Separation: After dehulling, the seeds and hulls are separated. This can be done using various methods, including gravity separators, which take advantage of the density difference between the seeds and the hulls. Air classifiers can also be used to blow away the lighter hulls.
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Cleaning: The final step is cleaning the dehulled sesame seeds to remove any remaining impurities, such as small stones, dirt, or broken seeds. Washing the seeds with water is a common practice in this stage. This ensures the purity and quality of the final product.
These steps are crucial in preparing sesame seeds for various uses. The dehulling process, in particular, improves the taste and digestibility of the seeds. Different processing methods can also affect the color, flavor, and nutritional content of the final sesame seed product.
