POTENTIAL USE OF PARTIALLY DEFATTED SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) TO COMBAT MALNUTRITION

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the oldest oilseed crops grown worldwide. It is rich in protein and micronutrients. In the present study, defatting of white mechanically dehulled sesame seeds using an oil press machine at 200⁰C was done (local cultivar). The by-product, i.e., sesame flakes, was evaluated for nutritional and anti-nutritional qualities. Mechanically dehulled sesame seeds of same variety were used as a control. Partial defatting of these seeds was done. Thus, partially defatted sesame flakes of seeds obtained were prepared in powdered form and assessed for biochemical parameters using standard methods. Partial defatting reduced the 52.48 percent content of fat and increased the 40.35 percent protein. Magnesium and zinc increased significantly on partial defatting. As partial defatting is done using an oil press machine, the nutrient retention is better in terms of bioavailability. The flakes can be a good source of protein with available micronutrients and also possesses a good sensory quality having nutty flavor. It can be a great source of food to cater to the nutritional needs of the population at large to reduce malnutrition, especially in children.