black seed oil color

HOW TO GROW SESAME SEEDS

I first learned about growing sesame from a gardener in a cooler climate who shared her success story. She mentioned that sesame is a warm-season crop that thrives in hot summers. This sounded promising—if she could cultivate sesame successfully in Minnesota, surely I could do the same in Arizona, where summers often hit triple digits. My instincts were right; growing sesame turned out to be straightforward. It flourished even in the intense heat. Here’s how you can grow sesame seeds in your garden, regardless of where you live!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SESAME SEEDS

You might know sesame seeds as a common topping on hamburger buns, but they have a rich history as a food source and oil for centuries. Evidence of sesame cultivation can be traced back to ancient Assyrian tablets and the writings of Marco Polo. Sesame seed is among the oldest oilseed crops, believed to have been domesticated over 3,000 years ago.

Historically, sesame was prized for its ability to thrive in regions unsuitable for other crops. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal agricultural support—it can grow in drought conditions, withstand high heat, and thrive with residual moisture in the soil after monsoons have ended, or even during periods of insufficient or excessive rainfall. This resilience made it a vital crop for subsistence farmers living at the edges of deserts, where other crops cannot survive. Sesame has been aptly termed a “survivor crop.”

SESAME PLANTING INFORMATION

While you might consider using sesame seeds from your cupboard, you’re likely to achieve better results with fresh seeds. For instance, True Leaf Market offers sesame seeds for planting in both black and white/tan varieties, with black seeds having a stronger flavor.

In most climates, start sesame seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Once the seedlings are ready, harden them off and transplant them outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost. Sesame thrives in warm soil.

You can also grow sesame in containers; just make sure to select one that holds at least 5 gallons of soil.

Soil: Sesame is quite tolerant of challenging soil conditions, but the best yields come from fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. I grew sesame in raised beds using a mix from Arizona Worm Farm, and the plants flourished.

Sunlight: Sesame requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight to grow successfully. In my low desert Arizona garden, sesame enjoyed full sun throughout the growing season. If you’re in a cooler climate, choose a spot that receives reflected sunlight to provide the warmth sesame plants need.

SIZE AND SPACING DETAILS FOR SESAME PLANTS

Give sesame plants room to grow, as they grow about 3-4 feet (about 1 m) tall and 1-2 feet (90-120 cm) wide. You should plant one sesame plant for every square foot of your garden.

SESAME SEED GROWING TIPS

Sesame thrives in hot, dry environments. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be careful not to overwater.

When sesame plants reach a height of 10-12 inches, they can be pinched back to promote branching. While this step is optional, it can lead to an increase in the number of stalks and sesame seeds produced per plant.

Flowers will bloom first, followed by the development of pods. Enjoy the stunning blossoms and the variety of pollinators they attract!

Sesame plants might require extra support since the weight of the pods can cause the branches to bend and potentially break in windy conditions.

The fruit on my sesame plants is heaviest during the monsoon season and the rains are at their peak. Use bamboo stakes to support the sesame plants.

Sesame Seed Harvesting Tips

Sesame pods ripen starting at the bottom of the stalk, so monitor them closely to determine when the rest are ready for harvest. You can choose to harvest individual pods or the entire stem.

Harvest the pods as they begin to dry but before they split and release their seeds. Store the harvested pods in a large paper sack to allow them to dry completely.

Once dry, the seeds will easily fall out. Gather the seeds from the bottom of the sack and shake the pods to extract any remaining seeds. Use a colander to sift out any plant material from the harvested seeds.

On average, one sesame plant yields about 1/3 cup (28 grams) of seeds.

How To Store And Use Sesame Seeds

Before storing, allow the seeds to dry completely, then keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. I prefer using glass jars with secure lids.

Whole raw sesame seeds can be used in salads, as toppings for bread, or in sushi. To enhance their flavor, toast the seeds before use. You can also make tahini by grinding the seeds with a small amount of oil. One of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh sesame seeds is in a sesame chicken recipe.


12 BEST HAIR OILS FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR

One common nutrient source that helps to keep moisture from escaping hair follicles is hair oil, which keeps the water content of the keratinous cells in the hair shafts constant. The finest oils for low-porosity hair must be incorporated into one’s hair care regimen because low-porosity hair still has trouble absorbing nutrients. Additionally, the cuticle layer of hair with low porosity is loosely packed and contains tiny pockets that let moisture into each strand and prevent dryness; this may cause your hair to become extremely oily and greasy. We have summed up a few suggestions below if you struggle with low-porosity hair and want to discover hair oils for low-porosity hair that work for you.

PURA D’OR ORGANIC ARGAN OIL 

Because of its intense and deep moisturizing qualities, argan oil is a good choice for hair with low porosity. Until it is washed away, the oil’s protective coating holds and preserves moisture. Important elements included in argan oil include carotenoids, vitamins A and E, and 80% unsaturated fatty acids, all of which are good for your skin and hair. In order to fight a receding hairline, these nutritious nutrients strengthen the resilience of the skin and hair by moisturizing them. Its absorbing vitamins provide you with healthy hair from the inside out by taming frizzy, brittle hair from the roots to the ends. It may also be used as a light antibacterial oil to treat psoriasis and eczema. It aids in restoring dull luster and boosting color brightness.

KATE BLANC JOJOBA OIL

With the 100% pure cold-pressed Kate Blanc Jojoba Oil, you may get lustrous skin and thick, healthy hair. Jojoba oil by Kate Blanc may be applied to your nails and used as a moisturizer to nourish your hair. One of the suggested oils that penetrate low porosity hair and give you positive results is this unrefined jojoba oil. It is a hexane-free, all-organic oil that has been clinically shown to improve hair health, lessen hair loss, and hydrate skin. If you are looking for a hair oil for fine low-porosity hair, this is definitely the one.

NOW SOLUTIONS AVOCADO OIL

This all-natural moisturizing oil increases skin moisture and suppleness. This avocado oil is unrefined and devoid of hexane. It’s nutrient-rich and all-natural, which helps to bring out your hair’s inherent texture. This well-tested avocado oil moisturizes dry skin and hair while improving skin and hair health despite having a thick viscosity and texture. It feels smooth and soothing when massaged into the skin or scalp; it leaves no greasy aftertaste. It helps to encourage better hair development and circulation on the scalp.

HANDCRAFT BLENDS 100% GRAPESEED OIL

One of the lightest oils you may use on low-porosity hair is grapeseed oil. The grape seeds are cold-pressed to produce the Handcraft Blends grapeseed oil. This thin oil has no alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or hexane. It is also cruelty-free. In order to shield your hair from heat damage when using blow dryers and hair straighteners, you may also use it as a heat protectant. Those with sensitive scalps might not be the greatest candidates for it.

RENEWALIZE CERTIFIED ORGANIC BAOBAB OIL

This baobab oil is unrefined and cold-pressed. It is a great option for natural hair with minimal porosity because of its exceptional hydrating properties. This product is 100% hexane-free, cruelty-free, and has noticeable results. Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which are linked to good tissue regeneration, are abundant in baobab oil. It is very suggested for sensitive skin and contains vitamins A, D, E, and K that help prevent the breaking of the hair. It is ideal for low-porosity hair because of its high content of saturated fats and oleic acid, which enhance moisture penetration. In addition to providing restorative treatment, baobab oil treats dandruff and relieves dry, itchy scalps. It could, however, take a while to process.

DESERT BEAUTY STORE ARGAN OIL

The Desert Beauty Store Argan Oil makes it simple to reduce static in hair. It is an advanced hydrating product for hair that is non-sticky and encourages healthy development. It contains Moroccan argan oil, which offers a potent therapy to moisturize your scalp and shield your hair from damage caused by free radicals. This lightweight product lowers hair breakage and loss by penetrating your hair shaft with coconut oil and nourishing your hair with jojoba oil. The non-greasy composition addresses dryness, tames frizz, enhances hair elasticity, and repairs damaged tresses. It nourishes hair from the roots to the tips, helps to prevent split ends, and gives low-porosity hair more body and volume. Your scalp absorbs this oil fast, and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

MIELLE ROSEMARY HAIR OIL

Our selection of the finest hair oils for low-porosity hair has to have Mielle’s Scalp & Hair Strengthening oil. The product comes in a pleasant mint and rosemary scent and is enhanced with the energizing qualities of biotin. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-carcinogenic qualities of mint are well known. Because it contains rosemary, which is a gift in disguise for repairing tissue damage and scalp irritation, it is one of the most highly recommended hair oils for low-porosity hair. So, this product is a great option if you’re seeking a calming element to add to your hair care routine.

CLIGANIC 100% PURE AND NATURAL ARGAN OIL

It’s likely that you’ve heard a lot of people suggest using argan oil on hair with low porosity due to all its advantages. All hair types and climates can benefit from the use of Cliganic argan oil. Frizz is reduced, rough, damaged hair is repaired, the hair’s capacity to retain moisture is improved, and the hair is left with a glossy, voluminous finish. It’s one of those hair oils with low porosity that comes in a big bottle and can be used for a long time. By assisting the hair scalp in retaining its natural oils, the straightforward formulation promotes hair health.

OGX RENEWING + ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO

OGX’s argan oil is an essential hair oil for people who experience frizz, dandruff, and dryness. It easily passes through the hair shafts and has a PH formula that is balanced. Alcohol, sulfates, and parabens are absent from it. Consequently, it is a safer choice for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. It’s one of those hair oils that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for usage as a primer for hair and for prepping hair before style. For optimal results, apply a large amount of oil after conditioning and washing. This is also a very good hair oil for fine hair.

C B SMOOTHE WILD JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL

A characteristic of castor oil is its thick, greasy texture. On the other hand, C B Smoothe’s castor oil is quite light. It has the benefits of biotin, which aids in the production of keratin, and niacin, which regulates hair loss, or alopecia, which affects girls throughout and after puberty. Additionally, it contains trace amounts of carrot oil, which is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamins A, and E, and helps moisturize the scalp. Its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities promote healthy blood circulation on the scalp. All things considered, this hair oil for low-porosity hair is a great option for those looking to revitalize and restore their hair.

OUAI HAIR OIL HUILE CAPILAIRE

Using too many products in your hair care routine can be time-consuming since they might remove the natural oils from your hair and scalp. Therefore, Ouai hair oil is a lifesaver for those who want to maintain a modest regimen for hair maintenance. It is a thin oil for low-porosity hair that functions as a moisturizing mask and helps hold onto the moisture in the keratin found in the hair, strengthening it. It has extracts from sunflower seeds that raise epidermal ceramides and extracts from amaranth seeds that have emollient properties. All things considered, this is a fantastic option for anyone with tough, damaged hair.

AUNT JACKIE’S NATURAL GROWTH OIL BLENDS

The benefits of grapeseed oil, which is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) that help fend off free radicals and shield hair follicles from oxidative stress, are evident in Aunt Jackie’s Natural Growth Blends. One of the greatest avocado oils for low porosity hair, it supports hair follicles that may have given up on retaining moisture and helps prevent the negative impacts of damaging style. Its lightweight structure facilitates improved moisture absorption through the hairlocks while also counteracting the degenerative effects of UV radiation and environmental stress. Nevertheless, it might cause itching.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Giving yourself a hot oil massage with the best oils for low-porosity hair is the simplest method to treat yourself. The oil improves blood circulation and relieves built-up tension as it permeates your hair follicles. However, moisture absorption and retention are serious issues with low-porosity hair. Frizziness, dandruff, breakage, and rough hair are frequently the result of these disorders. For low-porosity hair, then, having hair oils with a lightweight basis and a basic composition might be quite helpful.