Source, Etc

Sesame oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Sesamum indicum, Linne (N.O. Pedalineoe), an annual plant about 1 m. high, extensively cultivated in India, China, Japan and most tropical countries. The seeds are small, 1.5 to 4 mm. long, 1 to 2 mm. broad and 1 mm. thick, yellowish white, reddish, brown or black according to the variety, obovate, slightly pointed, with four narrow longitudinal ribs. They contain about 50 per cent. of fixed oil and about 15 per cent. of proteids but no starch.

Description, Etc

Pale to golden yellow. Specific gravity 0.921 to 0.924; iodine value 103 to 114; congeals at about - 5°; consists of the glycerides of oleic, linolic, palmitic, stearic and myristic acids; contains about 0.2 to 0.5 per cent. of sesamin (acicular crystals, melting at 118°), also sesamol (phenolic) and a substance producing the characteristic colour reaction; may be identified by shaking

2 c.c. of the oil with 1 c.c. of a (freshly prepared) 1 per cent. solution of sucrose (or furfurol) in hydrochloric acid when a pink colour results.

Uses

As a substitute for olive oil; for making margarine and also in the preparation of additive compounds with iodine and bromine.