Project 02: Investigation on the Potential Uses of Locally Grown Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seeds

Sesamum indicum, was introduced into arid and semi-arid regions of Sri Lanka sometime back and is presently under cultivation on a small scale. Malee, MI, UMA, and ANKSE3 are some of the varieties developed by Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture. However, the quality of these oils might vary significantly depending on factors like variety, growing conditions, extraction methods, and storage facilities. Despite the known health benefits and culinary uses of sesame seed oils, there is a lack of awareness in Sri Lanka about its long-term preservation and value addition. Utilization of the defatted residues obtained as a by-product is not subjected to upcycling to secure additional revenue for farmers. The overall aim of this study is to assess physico-chemical properties of oils and defatted residues of cold-press sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed oils and their defatted residues.