Sesame seeds are one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, having been domesticated more than 3000 years ago. The seeds are found in pods or buns, and they have become naturalized in tropical areas all over the world. Seeds come in a range of colours, including white, yellow, black, and red, depending on the cultivar. 

The oil content of sesame seeds is among the greatest of any seed. The oil is utilized in the culinary sector for sweets and pastry since it has a refined taste. Sesame cakes, which are high in protein and fat, are used in confectionery and foraging. 

In Asian cuisine, sesame seeds are a common element. Many countries, including India, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, use them as a staple in their cuisine. 

Sesame seeds are also used to make cosmetic items such as toothpaste, face masks, anti-ageing lotions, and more, as we described in our previous blog, SESAME SEEDS and Sesame Oil – How industries use them 

The global demand for sesame continues to rise. Healthy elements in diets are becoming increasingly popular among consumers around the world, particularly among millennials in North America and Europe. In recent years, consumers have become more interested in the nutritional composition of these seeds. 

Sesame seed production in the world is projected to be over 4. 8 million tons, with ten countries accounting for over 80% of it: Myanmar, India, China, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Niger. Africa accounts for about 45% of the crop and has gained prominence as a fast-growing supplier of sesame seed to the global market in the previous ten years. 

Sesame is farmed in the most extensive areas in Asia, particularly in India (2.5 million hectares) and China (900,000 hectares). Nigeria, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Sudan are other major sesame growers. 

HARVESTING SEASONS 

Harvesting occurs when the fruit at the stem’s base is ripe, the seeds from the fruit have taken on the colour of the variety, and the leaves at the stem’s base have fallen. Between 90 and 130 days after planting, sesame is ready to harvest. 

After pollination, flowers will develop into narrow 1- to 1½-inch-long seed pods. When the pods become brown and begin to crack open slightly, the seeds are ready to harvest. The seed pods at the bottom of the plant are often ready to harvest while the flowers at the top are still blooming, necessitating numerous harvests near the end of the growing season.  

As a final step, sesame seeds are dried. The primary objective of drying is to achieve rapid but steady drying of the pods, in order to avoid aflatoxin contamination. 

Knowing the harvesting seasons across the world might provide you with a significant advantage over your competition as an importer or exporter. We recognize this and have created a global calendar of harvesting seasons for Sesame Seeds. 

Nigerian Sesame Seeds 

There are many varieties of sesame available from which farmers can select. However, the two types of sesame preferred/produced in Nigeria include:  

• the white/raw, food-grade sesame used in the bakery industry, and  

• the brown/mixed, primarily oil-grade sesame 

The export of Nigerian sesame has been increasing in the last five years, due to the great quality of its seeds as well as its consistent supply. In 2020, the value of shipments of this commodity reached $287.12 million, almost a three-fold rise compared to 2016. (source) 

Nigeria belongs to one of the biggest sesame seeds producers in the world. In 2019, the country accounted for 8.2% of the world’s total production. According to the latest FAO statistics, Nigeria’s sesame seed harvest stood at 480,000 tonnes in 2019, making it the fifth-largest producer in the world. (source) 

We have many years of exporting experience for organic, Agro bulk Sesame Seeds.  What separates TOSK Global products from the competition is our successful track record of sales and out across to a wide variety of quality and grades of products. 

We can help you source your Sesame Seeds requirements. Contact us and we would be happy to help. 

Read more:

• Sustainable Agriculture – From Farm to Table
• Sesame Seeds Harvesting Seasons: A guide to learn when and where to source your sesame.
• Peanuts Harvesting Seasons: A guide to learn when and where to source peanuts.
• SOYBEANS – Healthy Meals and Biofuels – Uses Across Industries
• INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS: Container Capacity – how much a container can fit?