Sesame quality explained: purity, oil content, FFA, moisture and colour
Two sesame lots that look alike can sell at very different prices. The difference is in purity, oil, colour and safety tests. This guide explains what buyers measure.
Updated November 6, 2026 · 2 sources
Key quality measures
| Measure | What it means |
|---|---|
| Purity | Share of clean sesame seed; machine-cleaned seed reaches 99.95% or more |
| Oil content | Higher oil means more value for crushers |
| FFA | Free fatty acids; low FFA means fresh, well-stored seed |
| Moisture | Low moisture for safe storage |
| Colour and admixture | Uniform colour; few seeds of other colours |
Natural and hulled
Natural sesame keeps its seed coat. Hulled sesame has the coat removed and is used in bakery, tahini and snacks; it needs careful processing and food safety controls.
Safety tests
Buyers in the EU and Japan test for pesticide residues and salmonella. A recent lab report from an accredited lab helps a lot sell faster.
Add purity, oil and moisture to your sesame lot.
Frequently asked questions
What does 99.95% purity mean?
99.95% of the lot by weight is clean sesame seed; the rest is dust, stones or other matter.
What is FFA?
Free fatty acids: a sign of how fresh the seed is and how well it was stored.
What is hulled sesame?
Sesame with the seed coat removed, used in bakery, tahini and snacks.
Sources
Checked on November 6, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.