Comparative Studies of Mineral Contents of Hulled Sesame Paste (Tahin), Unhulled Sesame Paste (Bozkir Tahin) and Their Blends

Abstract

Tahin is generally produced by using hulled roasted sesame seeds, however Bozkir tahin is produced by using unhulled roasted sesame (natural) seeds. Concentration of thirteen minerals (Al, Ca, B, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P and Zn) of tahin produced from hulled roasted sesame, Bozkir tahin produced from unhulled roasted sesame (with hulls) and their blends (25, 50 and 75 %) were determined by inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). All samples contained high amounts of Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Na, P and Zn. The highest mineral concentration for tahin samples and sesame seeds were measured between 0.16- 3.74 mg/kg Al, 2005.92-8794.09 mg/kg Ca, 14.04-21.19 mg/kg B, 15.39-33.67 mg/kg Cu, 165.7-437.66 mg/kg Fe, 4096.55- 6876.06 mg/kg K, 2020.97-2482.87 mg/kg Mg, 12.56-21.31 mg/ kg Mn, 0.74-1.55 mg/kg Mo, 605.81-2436.5 mg/kg Na, 4.78-8.66 mg/kg Ni, 5019.89-7627.85 mg/kg P and 41.28-52.85 mg/kg Zn. The concentration of minerals such as Al, Ca, B, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P and Zn in tahin increased with increasing of unhulled roasted sesame seeds levels, except for magnesium. The magnesium contents decreased with increasing of levels of unhulled roasted sesame seeds. As a result, minerals such as Al, Ca, B, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P and Zn increased with increasing hulls content, but Mg content decreased. The increased in minerals with increasing levels of unhulled roasted sesame seeds in tahin can be explained by the increasing of peel (hulls) contents. Tahin, especially Bozkir tahin contain nutritient elements of vital importance in man's metabolism.