Cuizi Small-Mill Sesame Oil is a roasted sesame oil made from 100% single-origin sesame seeds that have been moderately toasted and stone-ground to deliver a roasty, nutty, fresh and fragrant flavoring oil.
Even though premium sesame oil is made from only the one ingredient, the way that ingredient is grown, roasted, ground and filtered makes a huge difference in taste. Some sesame oils having a harsh, bitter taste that comes from over-roasting or from quick processing.
Cuizi is a China Time-Honored Brand that makes its roasted sesame oil the same way it has been made for hundreds of years in Shandong. It uses the low pressure and low heat of stone mills to press the seeds vs mechanical processing, where high heat can deplete both flavor and nutrients.
Roasted sesame oil is used widely and frequently in China, mostly as a finishing oil for stir-fries or a component of sauces and dips, so we chose one that has a golden color and a mid-dark intensity instead of a heavy roast, allowing it to be used in a wide array of dishes without hijacking the flavor.
Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen: “Delicate, sweet and lightly toasty. Very appealing in an unassertive way,” this stone-ground, filtered oil from Shandong, China, had a “toasty aroma backed up with lots of nutty flavor” and a “hint of bitterness that gives dimension to the richness.” Tossed with warm noodles it was “buttery,” “almost popcorny,” “balanced, nutty, toasted. I liked this one!”
Heritage Process
Cuizi sesame oil comes from Shandong, the home of China's best sesame products, and has inherited a 600-year history of producing sesame oil in a very specific way for superior color, fragrance and taste:
The company developed its own non-GMO sesame cultivar and has a planting base in an area certified by China's Green Food program as pollution-free. Rather than using just-harvested seeds, it germinates them slightly to promote the production of highly nutritious natural antioxidants such as sesamolin, sesamin and sesamol
The roasted sesame embryos are ground by small stone mills at low pressure and low temperature, about 140°F, so as to not destroy the aromatic substances and functional nutrients in the sesame oil. (Large-scale oil extraction in metal equipment uses high pressure and temperatures as high as 500°F)
The sesame oil is then separated from the sesame solids by a natural, water replacement method versus the chemicals used in standard production
Finally, the oil is filtered through a patented technology that uses natural plant fibers for 36 layers of physical filtration to remove any impurities
History + Honors
Cuizi’s meticulous production process is attributed to one Cui Zeshi, who invented the water replacement method of separating sesame oil from solids in 1408, hence the brand name of Cuizi. The Ruifu Oil Co. picked up the mantle and process in 1984 and carries the China Time-Honored Brand designation for the traditional technique of Cuizi sesame oil, which is also recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shandong Province.
Ruifu makes only sesame products, a focus that allows it to produce the very best.
Compare To
Roasted sesame oil is not a cooking oil. It is an unrefined oil that maintains the flavor and color of roasted seeds as well as the nutrients but has a low smoke point. It is used for low-heat cooking and for sauces, and as a finishing oil and condiment.
Cuizi roasted sesame oil is 100% pure, vs cheaper brands with added vegetable oil.
Don’t confuse roasted sesame oil with light-colored sesame oil, which is a refined version with color and flavor removed that is suitable for frying.
China, Korea and Japan all make toasted sesame oils of varying levels of intensity and color. America’s Test Kitchen tested many of them, and recommended Cuizi Small-Mill Sesame Oil in the delicate/mild intensity category. Cuizi complements instead of overwhelming a dish.
How To Use It
Roasted sesame oil has a concentrated fragrance and flavor, so a small amount is usually sufficient to lend a nutty aroma. You can always add more.
As a general guide
Stir-fries: A small amount of roasted sesame oil is sometimes added to marinades for meats. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon or less to finish stir-fries after you take them off the heat.
Cold dishes and noodles: Add ½ teaspoon or less to sauces and dressings.
Dipping sauce: Add a few drops to a dumpling dipping sauce.
Storage
This is a relatively large bottle. Store in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate for best quality and longest life.
