How to properly choose and store sesame oil?

Sesame oil is one of the most versatile Asian products. Its rich nutty taste perfectly complements both main dishes and desserts. In addition, the benefits of sesame oil are invaluable — it has a positive effect on almost all organs.

Useful properties of sesame oil

This product has a positive effect on the state of the body, allowing you to stay healthy for many years. The main beneficial properties of sesame oil are as follows:

• reduces the level of “harmful” cholesterol;
• normalizes digestion;
• makes blood vessels more elastic, helps to stabilize pressure;
• improves brain activity;
• positively affects the condition of the skin, makes it more elastic, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks;
• a source of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty amino acids, including omega-3 and omega-6;
• it is worth adding this oil to salads and porridges so that the fat-soluble vitamins contained in other ingredients are better absorbed.

How is sesame oil used in food?

Thanks to its exceptional taste and aroma, sesame oil finds extensive application in the realm of cooking. It is most commonly employed for the following purposes:

1. Used for frying in a pan. But it cannot be used in its pure form, as it burns quickly. It is better to cook in more heat-resistant oil, and add sesame at the very end to give the dish a sweet nutty flavor;
2. Employed in salads and porridges, this oil not only offers a delightful taste but also possesses significant nutritional value, making it a suitable substitute for butter among fasting individuals and vegans. It is frequently added to rice, particularly when preparing pilaf. For an original salad dressing, it can be blended with a small amount of soy sauce, while for sweet dishes, it pairs well with honey;
3. Frequently used for marinating, stewing, and baking meat, fish, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and mushrooms;
4. Incorporated as an ingredient in baking or greasing molds to infuse the dish with its distinctive flavor and aroma;
5. To create a unique and zesty marinade or dressing, sesame oil can be gently heated and combined with various spices such as saffron, turmeric, curry, cloves, cardamom, or ginger.

How and where to store sesame oil

People who have purchased this wonderful product often have a question about how to store sesame oil. Due to the presence of the natural preservative sesamol in the oil, the product can be stored for several years. The main thing is to follow the following rules.

• Store sesame oil in a dry place away from sunlight and high temperatures. So you can extend the shelf life of sesame oil up to 8 years.
• You cannot use metal or plastic containers, because after some time they will saturate the oil with harmful substances.
• Another important question is how to store sesame oil after opening. Store the opened bottle for no longer than six months in a dry, dark place. Try to buy oil in small bottles so that the product does not have time to spoil.
• If sesame oil is stored in the refrigerator, it may become more cloudy and thick, possibly developing sediment. This is a normal reaction of the product to low temperatures.

How to choose the right sesame oil?

When shopping, people often wonder which sesame oil is better: dark or light? We will answer this question and share a few more tips from our practice.

• The color of the oil does not really play a significant role. It depends on many factors, the main thing is that the product is made from black or white sesame seeds.
• Please note that pure sesame oil tends to burn quickly, making it suitable primarily for use in salads or porridges. To enhance stability, manufacturers, including TM Katana, often blend it with 20–30% soybean oil. This blend is ideal for frying, stewing, baking, and it is also delectable in its raw form.
• Do not worry if you see a small sediment at the bottom of the bottle — this indicates that the product is natural.

Now you know where to store sesame oil, how to choose a quality product and its versatile applications. We are sure that with Katana refined sesame oil, your dishes will always be tasty and healthy!