This is Sempio organic sesame oil. In Korea, you can buy sesame oil in any grocery store, but many moms like to make their own sesame oil at a mill. Before doing so, they will check the quality of the mill’s seeds first or they will bring their own seeds to make sure that only top quality seeds are used to make their oil. The check the seed quality for two reasons: for health (organic, etc.) and for better taste. Since moving to the USA, I have not had good sesame oil, but oh my, when I tried the Sempio brand of sesame oil, I can see why it is called organic. I liked the flavor, and changed the taste of my dishes in a good way. It is close enough to the one I missed from Korea. I’m not sure about the price, I just guessing it will be a little more expensive than others because it is organic, but I would like to buy this the next time. I’m happy to find a good product in that point. π
Sesame oil (also known as gingelly oil or til oil) is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. Besides being used as a cooking oil in South India, it is often used as a flavor enhancer in Taiwanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Sesame oil contains high proportion (41%) of polyunsaturated (Omega-6 fatty acids.) It also has natural antioxidants. Light sesame oil has a high smoke point, and is suitable for frying, while heavy (dark) sesame oil (from roasted sesame seeds) has a low smoke point, and is unsuitable for frying, instead being used sparingly for seasoning, particularly in East Asian cuisine.
- Use:
Seasoning- Storage:
Keep in the cabinet.- Types:
Korean Brand Name:
“ζμ¨λ€” (First Picture) – A little better than “Assi” for flavor, but it is not the best.
“Assi” (Second Picture) – So so (It is a little too strong, and has a fake sesame flavor in it.)- Short Korean lesson: *^^*
Short Korean Lesson
- Cham (μ°Έ) = Real
- GiReum (κΈ°λ¦) = Oil
Hello my friends π
π
Hi! Aeris.
Lately I’ve been interested to Korean food. I am planning to buy common ingredients for preparing Korean food. I saw this one (http://www.ottogi.co.kr/english/product/oil/images/06_a1_p.jpg) in supermarket here in Cebu, Philippines. Are you familiar with this brand? If you do, please let me know if it is worth buying. I checked other brands, not Korean brand, they are usually consist of sesame oil and vegetable oil. Only this one that I saw in Korean Products section that stated 100 percent sesame oil, though thrice the price compare to other brands.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks a lot.
And keep up the good work!
Hi, Ren
Nice to meet you.. sorry for my late reply. I saw the picture for the sesame oil. You got the right one. That’s the most common brand in Korea for sesame oil. Yep..get it. Since I couldn’t find that brand here, I got different brand. You will want 100% sesame oil for good taste. thanks !!! Hope to see you again~~
Hi Aeri! I just found your website recently but all the recipes look delicious! Also, I really enjoy the mini Korean lessons.
I have a question about sesame oil. Do you ever use dark sesame oil in your cooking? Does it taste stronger than “regular” sesame oil?
Thanks! π
hi Stella,
Oops, sorry I’m not familiar with dark sesame oil …because we have one kind of sesame oil in Korea.. so I can’t give you exact answer.. sorry..
Hi Aeri! π
I’m curious if I can substitute sesame oil with vegetable oil in the cooking? and how big is the difference to the taste if I don’t use it (if the vegetable oil is not suitable). I remember my sister is allergic to sesame seeds and worry that the oil could effect her health if she tries my cooking.
hi Aliana,
Many of Korean dishes have sesame oil. It has its own strong flavor. Some people love the flavor and some people hate it like my husband. I skip using sesame oil for him sometimes.. so you can skip also if you want. ^^ (If it’s me, I will not use vegetable oil for sesame oil..especially if the dish is a non cooking dish.)