Roasting sesame seeds at high temperatures may lead to harmful oil.
Roasting sesame seeds at different temperatures affects the quality of the oil produced. Higher roasting temperatures lead to darker color and changes in taste. Oils roasted at 250°C had lower levels of certain fats and compounds, but still contained important antioxidants. The best quality oil was obtained by roasting at 160-180°C for 25 minutes, 200°C for 15 minutes, or 220°C for 5 minutes. Oils roasted above 220°C had a burnt and bitter taste.