Difference Between Roasted And Unroasted Sesame Seeds
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What Is The Difference Between Roasted And Unroasted Sesame Seeds? Check Out Their Impressive Nutritional Benefits Here!

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Jul 24, 2024

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Selecting between roasted and unroasted sesame seeds can dramatically change this adaptable food's nutritional value and flavour profile. Sesame seeds, prized for their crispy texture and nutty flavour, are essential in many international cuisines. Unroasted sesame seeds from ToneOp Care have the highest nutritional content and a mild, nutty flavour in their original, raw state. They are abundant in vital minerals, including antioxidants, calcium, and iron.

 

Conversely, the heating procedure that roasts sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavour and gives them a somewhat crispy texture. Roasting intensifies flavour but can also lessen certain nutrients sensitive to heat. Knowing these variations, you can choose sesame seeds that suit their dietary requirements and cooking styles. 

 

Read along to learn about the nutritional value and health benefits of roasted and unroasted sesame seeds, which is better, and which one you should buy.

 

Table Of contents

1. What Is The Difference Between Roasted And Unroasted Sesame Seeds?

2. What Are The Health Benefits Of Unroasted Sesame Seeds?

3. What Are The Health Benefits Of Roasted Sesame Seeds?

4. Which Is Better, Raw Or Roasted Sesame Seeds?

5. Should I Buy Toasted Or Untoasted Sesame Seeds?

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

 

What Is The Difference Between Roasted And Unroasted Sesame Seeds?

difference between roasted and unroasted sesame seeds-02.jpg

Let’s have a look at the differences between the two varieties based on various characteristics: 

 

1. Nutritional Content

NutrientsUnroasted Sesame SeedsRoasted Sesame Seeds
Calories573 kcal573 kcal
Protein17 g18 g
Fat50 g50 g
Saturated Fat7 g7 g
Monounsaturated Fat19 g19 g
Polyunsaturated Fat21 g21 g
Carbohydrates23 g23 g
Fibre12 g12 g
Calcium975 mg975 mg
Iron14.5 mg14.5 mg

 

2. Flavor And Aroma

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds have a mild, slightly nutty flavour.

 

  • They are suitable for many dishes that require a delicate sesame flavour without overpowering other ingredients.
  • Roasting dramatically enhances the flavour and aroma of sesame seeds, giving them a richer, more nutritious taste and a rich roasted flavour.

 

  • This makes roasted sesame seeds popular for adding depth and complexity to dishes.

 

3. Culinary Uses

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds are often used in dishes where tiny sesame seeds are preferred.

 

  • They are usually sprinkled on salads, added to baked goods, or used as a garnish in soups and stir-fries.

 

  • They are also used in recipes like energy bars and protein bars.
  • Roasted sesame seeds are loved for their rich flavour.

 

  • They are most commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially in seasonings, marinades, and sauces.

 

  • They add crispy texture and rich taste to sushi rolls, noodles, and stir-fries.

 

  • Roasted sesame seeds can also be used to make tahini, a paste in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes such as hummus and baba ghanoush.

 

4. Texture

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds have a softer and more flexible texture.

 

  • They can be easily made into powder or paste without much effort, making them ideal for use in foods that require texture, such as sauces, dips, and pastries.
  • Roasted sesame seeds have a firmer and crunchier texture, perfect for adding crunch to dishes.

 

  • They can be used whole or crushed, as a crunchy dip, or in many recipes.

 

5. Storage and Shelf Life

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds have a longer shelf life than roasted sesame seeds.

 

  • They will stay fresh for months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

 

  • Refrigeration extends storage time.
  • Roasted sesame seeds have a shorter shelf life because the oil oxidises more easily after roasting.

 

  • To maintain freshness and prevent rancidity, it should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within a few weeks.

 

  • Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage.

 

6. Antioxidant Properties

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds contain high heat-sensitive antioxidants, such as sesamin and sesalin.

 

  • These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective properties.
  • Roasting may reduce levels of some heat-sensitive antioxidants.

 

  • But the Maillard reaction during cooking also creates new antioxidants that may contribute to health.

 

  • Therefore, roasted sesame seeds retain good antioxidant properties but are less good than unroasted seeds.

 

7. Fat Content and Quality

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, primarily polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.

 

  • These fats may benefit your heart by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
  • After roasting, the oil content of sesame seeds remains essentially unchanged.

 

  • However, roasting temperature and time affect the quality of these oils.

 

  • While roasted sesame seeds properly retain their healthy oil content, over-roasting them can cause compound problems.

 

8. Ease Of Digestion

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds are difficult to digest because their shells are not good.

 

  • Soaking or gently grinding them can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
  • Roasting destroys some of the hard outer shell, making sesame seeds easier to digest.

 

  • This process also improves flavour and texture, making them more palatable and more accessible to incorporate into a variety of dishes.

 

9. Culinary Versatility

Unroasted Sesame Seeds

Roasted Sesame Seeds

  • Unroasted sesame seeds can be used in many ways in cooking.

 

  • They are versatile in sweet and savoury recipes like bread, cookies, salads, and yoghurt sauces.

 

  • Their aromatic flavour allows them to be easily mixed into different dishes without interfering with other ingredients.
  • Roasted sesame seeds are often used as a finishing touch to add flavour and crunch to dishes.

 

  • They are perfect for sushi, stir-fries, sauces, and seasonings.

 

  • Their rich flavour makes them useful in many cooking methods.

 

Also Read: 8 Powerful Benefits of Sesame Seeds for Weight Loss: How These Tiny Seeds Can Help You Slim Down!

 

What Are the Health Benefits of Unroasted Sesame Seeds?

 

The health benefits of unroasted sesame seeds are:

 

1. Abundant In Nutrients

It is rich in vital fatty acids, proteins, fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which boost health and well-being.

 

2. Improves Heart Health

It includes beneficial fats such as omega-3 that assist in reducing cholesterol levels, and low cholesterol levels enhance heart health.

 

Also Read: 6 Best Natural Omega-3 Sources To Incorporate Into Your Diet 

 

3. Improves Digestion

A diet high in fibre facilitates good digestive health. Fiber aids in maintaining healthy gut function and regular bowel movements.

 

4. Antioxidant Properties

It contains sesamin and sesamolin, which fight against oxidative stress and inflammation due to their antioxidant properties.

 

5. Healthy Bones

Unroasted sesame seeds are rich in calcium and magnesium, improving bone density and strengthening your musculoskeletal system.

 

6. Immunity Booster

Unroasted sesame seeds are rich in zinc content that enhances support for the immune system. Zinc can maintain membranes and has antioxidant properties as well.

 

7. Regulation Of Blood Sugar

It contains fibre and healthy fats that slow carbs, digestion, and blood absorption. This lessens the chance of glucose rises following meals, resulting in stable blood sugar levels.

 

8. Anti-Inflammatory Compounds 

Lignans and phytosterols in unroasted sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that decrease inflammation in the body.

 

9. Skin And Hair Health

The health of the skin, cells, and immune system are all supported by vitamin E in unroasted sesame seeds. Because it is an antioxidant, it effectively counteracts the damaging effects of free radicals created during food digestion and by environmental pollutants.

 

Also Read: Check Out These Wheatgrass Juice Benefits For Skin And Hair 

 

10. Regulates Hormones

Unroasted sesame seeds rich in phytoestrogens can assist in regulating hormones, particularly in females, promoting hormonal balance and preventing common menstrual irregularities.

 

What Are the Health Benefits of Roasted Sesame Seeds?

Now, let’s check out the benefits of roasted sesame seeds:

 

1. Improves Mineral Absorption

Roasted sesame seeds contain decreased levels of phytic acid, which boosts the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron.

 

2. Palate Pleasing Flavour 

Once roasted, sesame seeds have an improved taste and scent that could support consistent intake, resulting in your overall well-being.

 

3. Contains HDL

Maintaining heart health involves keeping beneficial fats that lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels.

 

4. Digestive Ease

Roasted sesame seeds can aid digestion. They're a good source of fibre, which helps bulk up stool and promote regularity. Sesame seeds contain fats that lubricate the digestive tract, easing the passage of food. They may have natural enzymes that assist in breaking down complex molecules in food, making digestion smoother.

 

5. Antioxidant-Rich

Newly formed antioxidants from roasting the sesame seeds continue to offer anti-inflammatory and protective benefits.

 

6. Supports Bone Health

Roasted sesame seeds are rich in calcium and magnesium, which makes them important for strong bones and bone density.

 

7. Enhances Immunity

It contains zinc, which plays a key role in the normal development and function of cells and helps in supporting immune function.

 

8. Boosts Energy 

Roasted sesame seeds boost your energy with high protein and healthy fats that act as long-lasting fuel for your body.

 

9. Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Roasting the sesame seeds does not remove all anti-inflammatory properties. So, roasted sesame seeds add a little crunch with similar anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

10. Skin And Hair Wellness

Even roasted sesame seeds maintain vitamin E and necessary fatty acids that boost your skin and minimise hair loss in men and women.

 

Which Is Better, Raw Or Roasted Sesame Seeds?

Raw sesame seeds retain the most nutritional value, including antioxidants such as sesamin and sesamolin, which can be reduced during roasting. These seeds contain essential fatty acids, fibre, and minerals that support heart health, digestion, and bone density. However, raw sesame seeds can be challenging to digest and taste mildly. Roasted sesame seeds have a richer, more nutritious flavour due to the Maillard reaction during roasting.

 

Roasting reduces the levels of some heat-sensitive foods but increases the availability of beneficial nutrients such as calcium and iron by reducing phytic acid. Additionally, roasted seeds are generally easier to digest. If you care about taste and digestibility, roasted seeds will be more suitable.

 

Also Read: Men, Here are 7 White Sesame Seeds Benefits That Can Boost Your Potency And Wellness!

 

Should I Buy Toasted Or Untoasted Sesame Seeds?

Consider your dietary needs and culinary preferences when deciding between toasted and untoasted sesame seeds. Unroasted sesame seeds are ideal if you are looking for a more nutritious diet because they retain more antioxidants and delicate nutrients. They are perfect for dishes that need a mild flavour and can be used in dishes that require a mild taste. They also have a longer shelf life than roasted seeds.

 

Roasted sesame seeds have a richer, more nutritious taste and crunchier texture that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. Roasting reduces some antioxidants but increases the absorption of some nutrients. Roasted seeds may be a better choice if you like their taste and ease of digestion. Especially in terms of nutritious foods, it is best to choose unroasted seeds for the highest nutritional value.

 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

While both raw and roasted sesame seeds offer fantastic benefits, toasting unlocks a deeper, nuttier flavour. To add a delightful twist, try lightly dry-toasting your sesame seeds in a pan for a few minutes just before sprinkling them on salads, stir-fries, or yoghurt. This quick step intensifies their flavour without burning or losing significant nutrients, creating a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. You can opt for raw and unroasted Sesame Seeds from ToneOp Care.

 

                                                                                    Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

To wrap this blog on the difference between roasted and unroasted sesame seeds, you now know that the choice solely depends on dietary preference. Whether you prefer roasted sesame seeds' robust flavour or unroasted ones' purer taste, both offer a treasure trove of nutritional benefits. Adding a sprinkle of these tiny powerhouses to your diet is a simple way to boost your intake of healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants. So, experiment, explore, and enjoy the delicious world of sesame seeds!

 

FAQs

1. Can you eat unroasted sesame seeds?

Yes, you can eat unroasted sesame seeds. They are nutritious and rich in essential fatty acids, protein, and minerals. Unroasted seeds have a milder flavour and can be used in salads, baking, or as a garnish. However, they may be harder for some people to digest. Grinding or soaking them can improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.

 

2. Does roasting sesame seeds destroy nutrients?

Not exactly. Roasting sesame seeds can reduce some sensitive antioxidants and vitamins but improve the bioavailability of minerals like calcium and iron by decreasing phytic acid. While roasting diminishes some nutrients, it enhances flavour and digestibility, providing different benefits than raw seeds.

 

3. Are there any differences in how sesame seeds are digested when roasted vs. unroasted?

Roasted sesame seeds are generally easier to digest because roasting breaks down the outer shell. This can enhance nutrient absorption and make them gentler in the digestive system. Unroasted seeds may be harder to digest due to their tougher outer shell, though soaking or grinding can help.

 

4. Are sesame seeds better roasted or not?

Yes, roasted seeds are good. They provide a little something to every meal; they are toasted to give it a more alluring golden colour, nutty aroma, deeper taste, depth of flavour, and pleasing crunch.

 

References

 

About ToneOp Care 

ToneOp Care is the ultimate destination for high-quality nutraceutical supplements and ayurvedic products in India! We are proud to offer a significant range of products designed to support your overall health and well-being, including weight loss, muscle gain, immunity, skin and hair care, and women's health. All our products are manufactured in India using the latest technology and facilities, ensuring the highest quality standards.  



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