Tag: Oilseeds

Oilseeds are an excellent source of protein, with some, like soybeans, containing up to 43.2 grams per 100g serving. Understanding how much protein is in oilseeds can help consumers better utilize these nutritious ingredients in their diet, especially for those seeking to increase their plant-based protein consumption.

While all pulses are technically legumes, not all legumes are pulses. A common point of confusion for many is where the popular soybean fits into this classification, as it belongs to the same family but is processed differently. The key lies in its distinct fat profile.

Over 353 million tonnes of soybeans were produced worldwide in 2020, making it the most produced legume globally. However, contrary to a common misconception, soybeans are not considered pulses. This distinction is due to key differences in their botanical classification, nutritional makeup, and primary uses.

Despite their name, groundnuts—commonly known as peanuts—are not true nuts; they are botanically classified as legumes, placing them in the same family as peas, lentils, and beans. This fact often comes as a surprise, given their culinary use and similarities to tree nuts.

First domesticated over 3,000 years ago, the tiny sesame seed is a staple in many global cuisines and is a highly nutritious oilseed. However, many people are unsure of its botanical identity, often asking whether sesame is a cereal or legume. The answer is surprisingly neither, as its proper classification is distinct from both categories.

Peanuts are classified as oilseeds, with an oil content that can range between 40% and 50% depending on the variety, climate, and agronomic practices. This fact makes many people question the health implications of their fat content, but the truth lies in the quality of the fats, not just the quantity.

Egusi, a West African staple, is often mistaken for a legume, but it is not. Understanding under what classes of food is egusi reveals it to be a high-protein, fat-rich oilseed derived from a specific type of gourd-like melon, the core of many West African soups.

Cultivated for over 5,000 years, sesame is one of the world's oldest oilseed crops, prized for its flavor and oil. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "What's another name for sesame seeds?", you’ll discover that this versatile ingredient is known by many names depending on the region and context.

Sesame seeds are one of the oldest oilseed crops known, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. This rich history often leads to curiosity about their origin and nature, particularly the question: do sesame seeds count as a plant? The answer, from a botanical perspective, reveals a common misconception about the seed and the plant from which it comes.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food grains comprise 67-80% of the human diet globally, highlighting their immense importance to food security. But what is the definition of a food grain? Fundamentally, they are the edible seeds of certain plants, primarily from the grass family, cultivated for human consumption and animal feed.