Black Sesame Producing Regions Explained: Main Growing Areas and Buying Tips

Black sesame is the black seed kernel of the sesame plant, a member of the Pedaliaceae family. It is a oil crop with a long history that favors warm climates and is widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions. In China, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong and other places are all traditional sesame-producing areas, and the black sesame grown there is known for its plump grains and glossy sheen. Globally, India, Myanmar and some African countries are the major sesame-producing regions, supplying a huge international market.

In Taiwan, China, black sesame is commonly called huma, and it is most concentrated around the Tainan area, with townships such as Xigang, Shanhua and Anding all being well-known producing areas. The local autumn cropping season has a dry climate with little rain and ample sunshine, which suits sesame pod formation and ripening, and harvesting begins successively after winter sets in. Because sesame capsules tend to split open and drop their seeds once ripe, the harvest still relies heavily on manual labor, so yields are relatively limited and the crop is all the more precious.

Black sesame has a very wide range of uses. The most common processed product is black sesame oil: the seeds are roasted and then pressed, giving a strong aroma that makes it a great helper for bringing out flavor in cooking. In addition, sesame paste, pastry fillings and various health foods also use large amounts of black sesame, and the flavor is even better after roasting and grinding. Because it is rich in oil, it should be stored sealed and away from light, in a cool place or refrigerated, to avoid developing a rancid oily smell.

When selecting black sesame, choose grains that are plump, glossy black in color and free of off odors. Dyed sesame is occasionally seen on the market; you can rub the seeds on white paper, or crack one open and look at the cross-section. Natural black sesame is white inside, so if the color bleeds obviously, you should avoid buying it. Understanding the producing regions and variety characteristics gives you more confidence when choosing, and lets you enjoy the true aroma and nutrition of black sesame.