Why

Sesame Seeds

Are India's Go-To Ingredient for Cold-Weather Nutrition

Quick Summary

The warming, nutrient-dense qualities of sesame seeds (til) have made them more than just a wintertime treat in Indian culture. In addition to being tasty, traditional sesame treats like til-gul laddoos and sesame brittle (til chikki) are a natural and nutritious way to stay nourished throughout the winter.

Deep Dive

Sesame has a "warming" property that helps the body produce heat internally and keep warm on chilly evenings, according to Ayurvedic wisdom. According to science, sesame seeds are high in protein, good fats, and vital minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients promote strong bones, long-lasting energy, and the function of the immune system. In addition to their inherent nutritional value, sesame seeds contain bioactive substances like sesamin and sesamolin that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A Warming Ingredient Rooted in Tradition

Sesame seeds have long been regarded as a warming food in India. Traditional eating systems, which hold that some foods aid in producing internal heat during the winter, are the source of this notion. Sesame naturally supports the body by offering warmth and comfort as the temperature drops and the evenings grow colder. As a result, it appears when people eat treats made with jaggery and sesame seeds during winter celebrations like Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal. The colder the season, the more sesame was used in kitchens and festivities. This idea spread through the generations and ingrained itself firmly in the culture.

Rich Nutrition for Seasonal Strength

Sesame seeds are extremely nutrient-dense for such small grains. Throughout the winter, the body benefits from their abundance of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and good fats. Iron keeps you strong, zinc boosts your immune system, and the good fats give you sustained energy. Because it provides dense nourishment in small amounts, sesame helps fight the feeling of slowness that many people experience during the winter months. These days, scientific references highlight the antioxidant properties of sesame, such as sesamin and sesamolin, which give the body additional support when immunity needs a boost. This blend of vitality, warmth, and sustenance explains why sesame is so well-liked in the winter.

Digestive and Skin Benefits in Winter

Sesame seeds' natural fibre content promotes gut comfort during the winter, when digestion is often a little slower. They are rich enough to keep the digestive system functioning properly and are gentle on the stomach. Sesame's natural oils also help prevent the dryness and irritation that people often experience during the cold months by nourishing the skin from the inside out. Because they think it keeps the skin from drying out, many communities have long applied sesame oil externally during the winter. Sesame is a complete winter food because it provides both external and internal nourishment.

Til-Gul Laddoos and Their Cultural Significance

In India, til-gul laddoos are a popular wintertime treat, particularly during Maharashtra's Makar Sankranti. Made with toasted sesame seeds and jaggery, these laddoos are a soft, nutty, and warm dessert. They are not only delicious, but they also represent "warmth," connecting food, climate, and culture.

Til Chikki and Gajak Across North India and West India

Gajak and til chikki are abundant in North Indian winter markets, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar. These crunchy treats instantly provide warmth and energy and are easy to store for days. Local confectioners often spend months making these seasonal batches because demand for them soars every winter.

Tilkut and Regional Winter Treats

In January, when winter is at its worst, Bihar's speciality, tilkut, is prepared. Residents look forward to this dense, disc-shaped treat every year, which is made with jaggery and finely ground sesame seeds. Sesame is so popular in India at this time of year that several states have their own sesame-based snacks.

It's easy to incorporate til into regular meals. You can easily add extra nutrients with a spoonful added to bread, raitas, salads, or porridges. For use throughout the season, sesame seeds are frequently roasted and stored in jars. Some people soak sesame seeds overnight to help with digestion. Sesame can be easily and without much thought added to traditional til pieces, laddoos, or chikki during the winter months for those who enjoy sweets.