Black Sesame Seeds

Black sesame seeds (Nei-iong): Nei-iong are the dry mature seeds of Sesamum indicum L., a plant under the genus Sesamum of the family Pedaliaceae. The plants are usually harvested during autumn when the fruits are almost ripe. They are then dried in the sun, knocked out of the seeds, removed of impurities and dried in the sun once again. Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunchy taste that is added to many Asian dishes. They are also the main ingredients in tahini (sesame seed paste) and the wonderful Middle Eastern sweet call halvah. They are available throughout the year. Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to man. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity.