🌿 Origin and Ancient Use First Cultivation: Sesame is among the oldest domesticated oilseed crops, dating back approximately 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization (modern-day India and Pakistan). Ancient Egypt (circa 1500 BCE): Sesame seeds were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Egyptians prized sesame oil for medicinal purposes, ceremonial rituals, and skincare. Mesopotamia & Assyria (around 2000 BCE): Sesame seeds and oil were essential commodities, used for cooking, medicinal ointments, and religious ceremonies. 🌏 Cultural Significance Ancient India: Ayurveda (traditional medicine dating back over 3,000 years) widely recommends sesame oil (known as "Til" oil) for massage therapy (Abhyanga), rejuvenation, detoxification, and skincare. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Introduced into China approximately 2,000 years ago via the Silk Road, sesame oil became a valuable medicine and culinary staple, prized for nourishing yin and supporting internal organ health. Middle East and Mediterranean: Sesame seeds and oil were integral parts of cooking and traditional medicines throughout ancient Persia, Babylon, Greece, and Rome. 🥘 Culinary History Widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines since ancient times: India: Used extensively in curries, sweets, and cooking oils. China and Korea: Dark sesame oil became crucial for flavoring dishes, marinades, sauces, and dressings. Middle East & Mediterranean: Key ingredient in tahini, halvah, and various traditional dishes. ⚗️ Extraction Methods and Development Ancient extraction involved manually crushing sesame seeds, either by stone mills or mortar-and-pestle techniques, and later through mechanical presses. Early civilizations valued sesame oil highly due to its stability, shelf life, and resistance to rancidity, attributed to its antioxidants (sesamol and sesamin). 📜 Mythology and Symbolism Sesame oil held symbolic and spiritual significance: Believed to symbolize longevity, strength, and prosperity. Featured prominently in religious rituals, ceremonies, and offerings in ancient Hindu, Buddhist, and Shinto traditions. 🧪 Modern Relevance Today, sesame oil remains important: Culinary: Popular in diverse global cuisines, providing distinctive flavor and aroma. Cosmetics and Skincare: Celebrated as an effective, nourishing oil in natural skincare formulations. Therapeutic Uses: Continues to be an essential oil in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and modern naturopathic practices.