Sesame Pressing
Sesame Pressing is one of the traditional professions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It relies on traditional tools and wooden equipment, which were later replaced in modern times by electrical machines and devices. The main product of this craft is sesame oil, and those who practice it are called “pressers.” Sesame pressing remains an active craft in several regions of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Aseer, and Jazan.
Sesame Pressing equipment
In the past, sesame pressers used specialized equipment for pressing sesame, made from iron, stones, and wood obtained from Sidr and Athl trees، Among this equipment was the traditional device for extracting sesame oil, known as “Al-Ma‘sarah” or, in some regions of Saudi Arabia, “Al-Ma‘sarat Al-juljulān.” It is a large vessel in which a long piece of wood is placed, connected to another wooden piece that rotates on a circular base fixed to the ground and surrounding the vessel. This setup is attached to a slightly elevated support with a weight of stones, facilitating the rotation of the device that presses the sesame.
Sesame Pressing mechanism
During the sesame harvest season, a camel is brought and harnessed to the pressing device. The rotation begins in a counterclockwise direction. As the camel moves, the wooden beam resting on the circular base around the vessel turns, moving the beam inside the vessel and starting the pressing process. The camel must be blindfolded to prevent it from feeling the motion, and it should be trained for a period ranging from one to four weeks before beginning the rotation task.
The Sesame Pressing process takes about four hours before the oil begins to flow. During this time, the camel continues to rotate and operate the device, which grinds and crushes the sesame until it turns into oil. The oil is then collected and stored in special containers for sale. After the oil extraction, the remaining sesame residue is reserved to feed the camel.
Sesame Pressing in the modern era
In the modern era, traditional methods of sesame pressing have been replaced with modern electric equipment, and sesame presses have become widespread in Saudi Arabia due to the demand for sesame oil. This oil is rich in long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, making it a stable oil suitable for cooking purposes.