Sesame seeds are available hulled or unhulled. We are probably most familiar with the milky white hulled seeds found on baked goods.

Unhulled, or Natural, the seeds vary in colors such as assorted shades of brown, black and even red. Black seeds are difficult to obtain but make a most attractive garnish.

To bring out their nutty flavor, toast the seeds in a small, dry skillet or for about 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven. The benne seed, as sesame is known in the South, enhances more than breads and desserts, try sprinkling the seeds over steamed vegetables or a crumb-topped casserole.

Sesame is one of the most delicious, nutritious and versatile of the culinary seeds.

Sesame seeds are popular the world over. Throughout Eastern Asia they are most often used toasted. The Near East likes them untoasted and dried. Mexico's complex mole poblano meat sauce numbers sesame seeds among its many ingredients (including meat stock, spices, raisins, tomatoes and cocoa).

Tahini paste, made from ground dried sesame seeds, is popular throughout West Asia and the Middle East. The bread spread hummus, originated in Israel and Lebanon, made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and parsley, is now a popular healthy snack the world over.

The seed is diuretic, emollient, galactogogue, lenitive and tonic, and acts as a tonic for the liver and kidneys.

It is taken internally in the treatment of premature hair loss and greying, convalescence, chronic dry constipation, dental caries, osteoporosis, stiff joints, dry cough etc.

It has a marked ability to increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Externally it is used to treat haemorrhoids and ulcers.

The seed is very high in calories and so should be used with caution by people who are overweight.

This is Plum Flower brand's nitrogen-flushed vacuum pack.

Plum Flower is one of the most distinguished herb houses in the world.

Sulfur Free, Chlorine Free, Aluminum Phosphate Free.

Sulfites are used to give herbs the appearance of freshness. As with dried fruit, unsulfured herbs look different than those that are adulterated with preservatives. Herbs that are preservative free are more natural looking and are generally darker. The brightness of the herbs may be appealing, but it indicates the presence of harmful additives. Despite their appearance, unsulfured herbs are more fresh and safer than regular commercially available products.

The use of sulfur, chlorine and aluminum phosphate was made unnecessary through the establishment of Plum Flower processing stations in China. Herb harvesters slice and process the herbs fresh, avoiding the need to rehydrate dried herbs later to process. This first step is crucial, as rehydration leads to decomposition and thus the need for preservatives.

The herbs are then packed and the packages vacuum-packed, injected with nitrogen, and sealed. The nitrogen process combined with the lack of sulfur treatment inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms, resulting in safer, higher quality herbs. After opening, store in a cool dry place.

The facilities in Lanzhou and Guang Zhou, China, scientifically test each batch of herbs before, during and after the processing to make sure that all the active ingredients are present. Herbs are also tested to ensure that the formulas surpass all FDA guidelines regarding heavy metals. Those herbs exported to the U.S. are voluntarily submitted to the FDA for approval.

Finally, batches are regularly sent out for quality control testing in third-party labs to double-ensure that Plum Flower products are 100% free of pharmaceuticals, preservatives and dyes.

The Lanzhou and Guang Zhou factories are so clean, they are certified by the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (GMP). These standards surpass any of the FDA, and are considered the highest for any government agency in the world.