Food Trivia Question from the Oriental Oasis Newsletter
TRIVIA QUESTION: An aromatic oil with a nutty flavor, I am a popular ingredient in Asian cooking. While in India a thinner, lighter version of me is used as a cooking oil, in China I am normally added as a flavoring agent during the final stages of cooking. I am particularly valuable in masking "fishy" odors, while still allowing the seafood flavor to come through. Besides my use in cooking, I am also thought to have medicinal value. Preparations containing me are used to treat fungal conditions such as athlete's foot; I am also the chief ingredient in a birthing oil designed to help woman have an easier time during labour. What am I?
TRIVIA ANSWER: Sesame oil. Sesame oil from India is made from raw seeds, while
in China toasted sesame seeds are used; as a result Indian sesame oil has a
quite bland flavor in comparison to the Chinese version. Sesame oil rates a
mention in several ancient records, from the Assyrians to the Greeks. Sesame oil
features prominently in Chinese sauces, stir-frys, and salads; the Japanese
often use it when making tempura.
Recipes
Mandarin Pancakes
Mongolian Lamb with Scallions
Pork Dumplings with Shrimp
Szechuan Style Squid
