The super power food ‘Sesame seeds’ which is frequently seen sprinkled on top of buns, cakes, and crackers is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 – And the list goes on! Apart from the health benefits these seeds offer, there are also other quick facts that we cannot afford to not mention.

The earliest condiment known to humans and possibly the oldest food is the sesame seeds. Other names for the seeds are: Sesame, or simsim as it is known in East Africa. Mexican cuisine refers to sesame seeds as ajonjolí, and known as til in India which is one of the leading wholesalers of sesame seeds.

India is the largest sesame seeds supplier and being the most versatile seed, they can be used for other purposes apart from just cooking. The Egyptians believed in the medical power of these tiny kernels, in South Africa, the seeds were called ‘benne’ and considered as good luck and during the Middle Ages, the seeds were worth their weight in gold.

The plant Sesamum indicum, is cultivated in places like Sudan, China, India, United States, and Central America. The world production of sesame seeds in 2013 was 4.2 million tons led by India and Mainland China. The plant can also survive draught and is hence called the ‘survivor crop’. The oil obtained from them are widely sought for cooking purposes. The most commonly used sesame are the white and lighter-colored seeds which are extensively used in places like Indian subcontinent, America, and West Asia. The price ranging between US$800 and 1700 per metric ton between 2008 and 2010. In 2008, by volume, premium prices, and quality, the largest wholesaler of sesame seeds was India, followed by Ethiopia and Myanmar. While Japan stands in the line of world’s largest importer. Indian sesame seeds suppliers, Fazlani Exports Pvt. Ltd, have access to the finest seeds grown here.

Citing the famous magical phrase “Open Sesame” used in the flock tale ‘Ali Baba and the forty thieves’ which opens the entrance of the cave with hidden treasures, it clearly refers to the power of how sesame seeds work wonders the moment they burst out from the pod.