Abstract

Seeds of  two local cultivars (dark and white) of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were chemically analyzed for their physico-chemical characters specific gravity, refractive index, acidity, peroxide value, iodine number, saponification number and unsaponification unsaponified matter. Six mineral nutrients calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron contents of the seeds were also determined. The mineral composition S. indicum seeds revealed relatively high amounts (mg/100g) of Ca (1200), P (580), K (374), Mg (185), Na (72), Fe (10.6) and low amount of Zn (3.8) The results were compared with some other cultivars growing worldwide. Our results revealed that incorporation of sesame seeds in bakery industry at suitable levels may satisfy the recommended daily dietary allowances of minerals (N.R.C.), as shown by chemical analysis of sesame seeds, confirming it as the richest source of  most of the inorganic nutrients.

Key words: Sesame, mineral composition, physico-chemical analysis, Saudi Arabia.