Is Sesame Oil Paleo?
When it comes to flavor oils, sesame is one of the top picks. Used in salad dressings and as a garnish to Asian dishes, the unique toasted sesame flavor is hard to replicate, no matter what diet you choose. This seed oil is one of the oldest condiments, on the planet, so let’s take a look. Is sesame oil Paleo?
What is Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the plant by the same name. Sesame is cultivated for its edible seeds – black or white – and was domesticated more than 3000 years ago. There are many species of sesame in the Sesamum genus, and they’re mostly native to sub-Saharan Africa and India.
The seed is rich in nutrients and minerals, and the oil is surprisingly resistant to rancidity. However, it has a lower smoke point, of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and loses a lot of benefits, as well as flavor, when heated. Although some Asian recipes call for cooking and frying with sesame oil, it is best used over very low heat, or drizzled on top of the final dish.
Is Sesame Oil Paleo?
Yes, sesame oil is Paleo. As Mark Sisson at Mark’s Daily Apple mentions, it might not be the best everyday oil, especially not for cooking, but as a flavor enhancer for some of your favorite Asian meals – no problem. Toasting, roasting, cooking, and frying will certainly reduce the nutritional content of sesame oil, so to get the most benefits, you should drizzle it on your final dish, or sauté with it over very low temperatures. Enjoy!
Related Articles:
- Cooking Fats 101: What’s a Smoke Point And Why Does It Matter? (seriouseats.com)
- Sesame Seeds (whfoods.com)
- The Definitive Guide to Oils (marksdailyapple.com)
- Crispy Sesame Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Curry Dipping Sauce (paleomg.com)
Image Source: Food Nutrition Table
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