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La Tourangelle has partnered with a 270 year-old traditional Japanese oil mill to create a rich, smooth, flavorful, light-colored Sesame Oil that may well set new standards for quality in the United States.

According to La Tourangelle President Matthieu Kohlmeyer, “Our mill slowly roasts the sesame seeds using lower temperatures. The result is a lighter colored, more richly flavored oil with a subtle, toasted taste. Most Asian Sesame Oils available in the United States derive their dark, amber color and sometimes burnt flavor from the rapid, high temperature toasting of the sesame seeds.”

The production of Sesame Oil begins with sesame seeds harvested from South America or Africa . The seeds are toasted and then expeller (machine) pressed to extract the oil. This oil is filtered several times and then bottled. The quality of Sesame Oil varies depending on the quality of the seeds and the length and temperature of the toasting process. While nearly all the Sesame Oil now available in the U.S. is produced in China or Taiwan using methods that involved certain production shortcuts, La Tourangelle's Japanese partner uses only the freshest, highest quality seeds that are painstakingly cleaned and slow toasted. Japanese craftsmanship in the production of sesame oil is recognized as superior throughout Asia.

American cooks may want to use Sesame Oil to flavor an Asian stir-fry or noodle dish or as a marinade for meat or fish. Sesame Oil makes a delicious dressing for a Chinese Chicken Salad. Sesame Oil, rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, and mustard is a delicious dressing for any combination of salad greens.