The main difference between chia seeds and sesame seeds is that chia seeds contain a higher content of vitamin A, C, and E while sesame seeds contain a higher content of vitamin B.
Chia seeds and sesame seeds are both healthy seeds with many nutritional benefits. Both are rich in calories, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, potassium and protein. However, there are several differences between chia seeds and sesame seeds.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Chia Seeds
– Definition, Features
2. What are Sesame Seeds
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Chia Seeds and Sesame Seeds
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Chia Seeds, Sesame Seeds
What are Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are the seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the sage family. These are edible seeds, with a diameter of around 2 millimetres and an oval shape. They are grey in colour with black and white spots. Chia seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. When soaked, they develop a thick and gluey coating having a gel texture.
Chia seeds can be eaten raw and soaked. We can mix them in smoothies, energy bars, yoghurt, breakfast cereals, etc. We can also sprinkle or grind them on top of other foods. Chia seeds have several health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, fibre, proteins, and calcium. They can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Chia seeds are also considered to help with weight loss.
What are Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are the edible seeds of the flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. They have one of the highest oil contents of any seed. India, Sudan, and Myanmar are the largest producers of sesame seeds. Their flavour is rich and nutty, and it is a common ingredient in cuisines across the world. We use it as a condiment and also as a source of edible oil. It is commonly used as a topping for hamburgers, sprinkled on a wide range of Asian dishes, and sweets in Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and South Asian cuisines.
Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds. In addition to its use as a condiment, toasted sesame seeds are used for sesame paste, a substitute for peanut butter. Untoasted seeds are used for making tahini, a delicious paste/dip in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Furthermore, sesame seeds are available in both black and white varieties. White seeds have a somewhat delicate flavour and can be used for all recipes that call for sesame seeds. Black seeds, on the other hand, have a richer flavour and a stronger smell. You should use them with ingredients with strong flavours so as to not overpower the taste of the dish. Moreover, black sesame seeds are considered to be bitter than white seeds.
Chia seeds are oval in shape and have a variety of colours like white, black and grey, while sesame seeds are small, ovate, slightly flattened, and somewhat thinner at the eye of the seed than at the opposite end.
Difference Between Chia Seeds and Sesame Seeds
Definition
Chia seeds are edible the seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the sage family, while sesame seeds are the edible seeds of the flowering plant in the genus Sesamum.
Color
While chia seeds are grey in colour with black and white spots, sesame seeds are available in black or white colors.
Size
Chia seeds have a diameter of around 2 mm while sesame seeds are about 3 to 4 mm long, 2 mm wide and 1 mm thick.
Fat
Chia seeds have more trans fat while sesame seeds have more saturated fat.
Vitamin B
Sesame seeds have more pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6 and folate than chia seeds.
Other Vitamins
Chia seeds contain a higher content of vitamin A, C, and E than sesame seeds.
Use
We can mix chia seeds in smoothies, energy bars, yoghurt, breakfast cereals, etc. and sprinkle them on food. Sesame seeds, on the other hand, are used for sesame paste, tahini, sesame oil, and topping for hamburgers.
Conclusion
The main difference between chia seeds and sesame seeds is that chia seeds contain a higher content of vitamin A, C, and E while sesame seeds contain a higher content of vitamin B.
Reference:
1. “Nutrition Comparison: Chia Seeds Vs Sesame Seeds.” Soupersage, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Chia seeds” by Stacy Spensley (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Toasted sesame seeds 4” By dabok2014 – (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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