Sesame Oil is also known as Nallennai or Gingelly or til oil. It is got from sesame seeds and is used for cooking in South India. It is used as a flavor enricher in Middle Eastern, South East Asian and African cuisines. It is obtained by two processes. One is by simply crushing and the other would be by toasting it (over heating).
Cold press process involves crushing of sesame seeds. It looks pale yellow in color and has a nutty flavor, while oil got through hot-process has dark shade.
Cold press oil is rich in fatty acids when compared to oil obtained from heat process. The oil extracted from cold press process retains the anti-oxidants, whereas it is damaged in the case of heat exposure process.
Sesame oil obtained from cold press is highly rich in vitamin E (11.8mg in every 100g), which gives it enough anti-oxidants.
It has high concentration of fatty acids, including polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids.
It also contains various minerals like Magnesium, Zinc, iron, copper, calcium and vitamin B6.
This oil contains oleic acid which is used to boost the immune system. This oil when cooked in mild heat, contains all the vital nutrients, but when overheated, loses all its nutrients.
Alternative Names: Gingelly Oil | Thuya Marachekku Ellu Oil | Nallenai | Ellu Ennai | Marachekku Ennai