The plant is usually 60 to 120cm tall and the fruit is a dehiscent capsule held close to the stem. when ripe, the capsule shatters to release a number of small seeds. the seeds are protected by a fibrous ‘hull’ or skin, which may be whitish to brown or black depending on the variety. 1000 seeds weigh some 4-8g. the seeds have a high oil content of 44-60%.
TYPES/VARIETIES: THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF SESAME (AND THESE INCLUDE: WHITE, BLACK AND BROWN/MIXED SESAME SEEDS). HOWEVER ONLY TWO OF THESE ARE MAJORLY PRODUCED IN NIGERIA AND THESE INCLUDES;
1. WHITE/RAW = FOOD-GRADE USED IN BAKERY INDUSTRY. 98-100% WHITEST GRADE SEEDS.
2. BROWN/MIXED = PRIMARILY OIL-GRADE.
