[Sca-cooks] light colored Sesame oil, olives

[lilinah at earthlink.net]

Stefan wrote:
> I seem to remember some discussion in this group about untoasted sesame oil.
>
> Tuesday when shopping at a local Middle Eastern store, Phoenicia, I found and bought a 
> bottle of light colored sesame oil.
>
> I seem to remember that untested sesame oil is needed for some recipes. This bottle is 
> light colored, and says "Ziad brand 100% extra virgin toasted Sesame Oil". While this 
> says it is "toasted", it is much lighter in color, similar to olive oil and is much 
> lighter than what I remember seeing as toasted sesame oil.

I think i haven't tried that brand, so i cannot really comment.

I have bought sesame oil at a local halal market that was, well, quite unpleasant in texture and flavor, but i don't remember the brand. It had a yellow label and was "middle eastern" not Indian. It had a disagreeable greasy texture and a slightly rancid flavor. I get the impression from having been in other people's kitchens and having used their oils that i am more sensitive to rancidity than some other people. It was less expensive than what i usually buy but was soooo not worth saving a couple bucks for the decreased quality and repellent flavor.

I usually buy Spectrum brand unroasted sesame oil at my local market, the Berkeley Bowl, but Whole Foods also carries it. The cold-pressed sesame oil is lovely, with a nutty and slightly earthy flavor.

Urtatim (that's oor-tah-TEEM)