Sesame

Sesame is a flowering plant. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods. Sesame seed is considered to be the oldest oilseed crop known, domesticated well over 3000 years ago. Sesame is very drought-tolerant. It has been called a survivor crop, with an ability to grow where most crops fail.

Sesame has one of the highest oil contents of any seed. With a rich nutty flavor, it is a common ingredient in cuisines across the world. The world harvested about 3.84 million metric tonnes of sesame seeds in 2010. The largest producer of sesame seeds in 2010 was Burma. The world's largest exporter of sesame seeds was India, and Japan the largest importer.

Africa accounts for about a third of the global sesame production and contributes about 70% to the global sesame trade. This is a share that continues to grow.

ITL has staff that travel the length and breadth of Sudan, Ethiopia and Nigeria, to source only the best quality sesame. We buy our seeds from all levels including small-scale and large-scale farmers, cooperatives and a huge range of collectors. We communicate directly with farmers as a crucial feedback mechanism to ensure good quality output.

We offer natural sesame to be used for both crushing and immediate consumption. We also offer hulled sesame.

Contact us for a quotation.