Source: Magness et al. 1971
The small, flattened seeds are borne in two-valved pods, and have a content of semi-drying oil of 50 percent or more. About 15,000 acres of sesame for seed were reported in the U.S. in the 1959 census. Sesame for oil is a major crop in Asia and Mexico. The oil is usually expressed in Europe and Asia in three stages. The first is a cold press, followed by hot presses. Hot pressed oil is refined before being suitable for edible use. Sesame oil is used mainly as a salad and cooking oil, and in the manufacture of margarine and shortening.