La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil brings a rich, nutty flavor to dishes with its carefully crafted production process. This golden-brown oil is made from high-quality sesame seeds that are lightly toasted, expeller-pressed, and gently filtered to preserve its natural flavors and nutrients. Its bold yet balanced taste enhances a variety of cuisines, from Asian stir-fries to Mediterranean vinaigrettes.
The artisanal approach used by La Tourangelle ensures that each bottle of toasted sesame oil delivers consistent quality and authentic taste. Sourced from sesame seeds harvested in South America or Africa, this versatile oil is an excellent addition to marinades, noodle dishes, and roasted vegetables. Its medium cooking temperature makes it suitable for various culinary applications, adding depth and complexity to both hot and cold preparations.
Origin and Production
La Tourangelle’s toasted sesame oil combines traditional French artisanal methods with high-quality Japanese sesame seeds. This unique blend of heritage and ingredients results in a premium product with authentic flavor and aroma.
The Heritage of La Tourangelle
La Tourangelle has its roots in France’s Loire Valley, specifically in Saumur. For over 150 years, the company has been dedicated to producing artisanal oils using time-honored techniques. Their commitment to quality starts with sourcing the finest ingredients, including carefully selected sesame seeds from Japan.
The company’s long-standing presence in the Saumur region has allowed it to refine its production methods over generations. This expertise is evident in the rich, nutty flavor profile of their toasted sesame oil.
Traditional Production Methods
La Tourangelle employs a meticulous process to create their toasted sesame oil. The carefully chosen sesame seeds are lightly toasted to enhance their natural flavors. This crucial step brings out the oil’s characteristic golden-brown color and intensifies its aroma.
After toasting, the seeds undergo expeller-pressing, a mechanical extraction method that preserves the oil’s natural qualities. The pressed oil is then gently filtered to ensure purity while retaining its robust flavor.
This traditional approach results in a high-quality product suitable for various culinary applications, from marinades to stir-fries. La Tourangelle’s commitment to artisanal methods sets their toasted sesame oil apart in terms of taste and authenticity.
Culinary Uses
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil offers a rich, nutty flavor that enhances various dishes. This versatile oil shines in Asian cuisine and adds depth to many cooking applications.
Asian Cuisine Applications
Toasted sesame oil is a staple in Asian cooking. It’s commonly used as a finishing oil for stir-fries, adding a distinctive nutty aroma. In Korean cuisine, it’s drizzled over bibimbap for extra flavor. Japanese dishes like cold soba noodles benefit from its warm, toasty notes.
For authentic Asian taste, a few drops are added to dipping sauces or marinades. It elevates the flavor of dumplings and enhances the taste of fried rice. In Chinese cooking, it’s often combined with soy sauce for a savory blend.
Versatility in Cooking
Beyond Asian cuisine, La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil has diverse culinary uses. It’s excellent in salad dressings, providing a nutty base for vinaigrettes. Mixed with citrus juice, it creates a zesty dressing for green salads or grain bowls.
As a marinade ingredient, it adds depth to grilled meats and vegetables. It’s particularly good in BBQ marinades, complementing smoky flavors. The oil can be brushed on roasted vegetables before serving for added richness.
In baking, it lends a unique flavor to cookies and crackers. It’s also used to finish soups, drizzled over hummus, or mixed into noodle dishes for extra flavor.
Nutritional Profile
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil is a calorie-dense condiment. One tablespoon (14g) contains 120-130 calories, derived entirely from fat.
The oil consists of 100% fat, with no carbohydrates or protein. Each tablespoon provides 14 grams of total fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat.
Toasted sesame oil is low in sodium, making it suitable for low-sodium diets. It contains no cholesterol and is free from animal products, fitting vegan and vegetarian dietary needs.
While high in calories, sesame oil offers some nutritional benefits. It contains vitamin E and beneficial compounds like sesamol and sesamin, which have antioxidant properties.
Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats are considered heart-healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-130 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | Low |
Taste and Flavor Profile
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil offers a distinctive taste that enhances various dishes. Its rich flavor profile stems from carefully selected and roasted sesame seeds.
Describing the Flavor
The oil boasts a bold, nutty flavor with a golden-brown hue. It delivers a complex taste that is not overpowering but rather adds depth to foods. The roasting process imparts a toasty quality, creating a full-bodied essence.
When used in cooking, the oil brings a rich, sesame-forward taste to dishes. It carries notes of nuttiness and a slight bitterness that complement many cuisines.
In dressings and marinades, the oil adds a gourmet touch. Its aroma is notable, contributing to the overall sensory experience of a meal.
For stir-fries, the oil’s robust flavor stands out, elevating the taste of vegetables and proteins. It pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes, adding authenticity to the flavor profile.
Product Quality
La Tourangelle’s toasted sesame oil stands out for its exceptional quality and authentic flavor. The brand’s commitment to sourcing premium ingredients and employing meticulous production methods results in a superior product.
Assessing Quality
La Tourangelle selects the highest quality, non-GMO sesame seeds for their toasted sesame oil. These seeds undergo a careful toasting process to enhance their natural nutty flavor. The oil is then extracted using expeller-pressing, a method that preserves the seeds’ nutritional value and flavor compounds.
The gentle filtration process employed by La Tourangelle ensures clarity while retaining the oil’s rich taste profile. This refined approach yields a golden-brown oil with a bold, complex aroma that doesn’t overpower dishes.
Product consistency is a hallmark of La Tourangelle’s quality control. Each batch maintains the same high standard, providing chefs and home cooks with a reliable ingredient for their culinary creations.
The oil’s versatility in various cooking applications, from marinades to stir-fries, speaks to its quality. It performs well at medium cooking temperatures, making it suitable for sautéing and dressing preparation.
Packaging and Storage
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil comes in a distinctive package designed for convenience and freshness. Proper storage ensures the oil maintains its quality and flavor.
Packaging Design
La Tourangelle packages its Toasted Sesame Oil in recyclable aluminum cans. The sturdy design protects the oil from light and air exposure, which can degrade quality. A secure cap prevents spills and keeps the oil fresh. The can’s shape makes it easy to grip and pour.
The label provides essential information, including:
- Product name and brand
- Nutritional facts
- Usage suggestions
- Expiration date
Optimal Storage Conditions
To preserve La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil’s flavor and quality:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use
- Avoid storing near heat sources or in humid areas
Refrigeration is not necessary but can extend shelf life. If refrigerated, the oil may become cloudy or solidify. This is normal and does not affect quality. Allow the oil to reach room temperature before use.
Properly stored, La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil typically remains fresh for 12-18 months after opening.
Health Benefits
Sesame oil, including La Tourangelle’s toasted variety, offers several potential health benefits. This nutrient-rich oil contains a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
The oil’s antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation in the body. These antioxidants, such as sesamol and sesaminol, can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Sesame oil might contribute to better blood sugar control. Some studies suggest it may help improve insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for managing diabetes.
The oil’s vitamin E content supports skin health and may help protect against UV radiation damage. It also contains zinc, which is important for immune function and wound healing.
Sesame oil has been linked to improved bone health due to its calcium content. It may help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Some research indicates that sesame oil could have cholesterol-lowering effects. It may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while maintaining or increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Recipes and Pairings
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil adds depth and nutty flavor to a variety of dishes. This versatile oil shines in Asian-inspired recipes and elevates many sauces, dressings, marinades, and glazes.
Sauces and Dressings
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil forms the base of many flavorful sauces and dressings. For a simple vinaigrette, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the oil with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar.
This dressing pairs wonderfully with green salads or cold noodle dishes. To create a creamy dipping sauce, blend the sesame oil with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
For a spicy kick, mix the oil with chili oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. These sauces complement vegetables, meats, and seafood.
Marinades and Glazes
Toasted sesame oil imparts rich flavor to marinades and glazes for meats and vegetables. For a basic marinade, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove.
This mixture works well for chicken, beef, or firm tofu. For a sweet and savory glaze, simmer equal parts sesame oil and honey with a splash of soy sauce and rice vinegar. Brush this glaze on grilled vegetables or salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.