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Seeds
Various Oilseeds and Pulses from Ethiopia


Oilseeds and Pulses

Ethiopian oilseeds and pulses are known for their flavor and nutritional value as they are mostly produced organically. For instance, the Ethiopian white sesame seed is used as a reference for grading in international markets. Ethiopia's major oilseed and pulse exports include sesame seeds, nigger seeds, linseeds, sunflower seeds, groundnuts, rapeseeds, castor oil seeds, pumpkin seeds, haricot beans, pea-beans, horse beans and chick peasy.

Blue Nile Enterprises recently acquired the ability to import from Ethiopia some of the seeds listed above that are indigenous to the country. Currently we have the ability to import Niger, Safflower, Sesame, and White Pea bean seeds. We have a binding agreement with Negash General Trading Company as an exclusive agent to import these seeds to North America.

Blue Nile Enterprises packing for the following products is in bags of 50 Kgs size. However, packaging can be changed per customer specification.

Please contact us for more information.

Ethiopian Niger Seed Ethiopian Niger Seed
Niger is an oilseed (Neug) crop that is produced from Guizotia Abyssinica. Niger seed is found mostly in the northern and central highlands at elevations between 1,800 and 2,500 meters. Since Niger seed is high in edible fat, oil and protein it is one of the main staple foods in Ethiopia.

Outside of Ethiopia, Niger seed is widely used for industrial purposes such as soap making and paints preparations and preparation of different types of emulsions. In addition, this seeds are used for bird feeding since it contains oil which is as a source of energy by the birds.
Ethiopian Safflower Seed Ethiopian Safflower Seed
Safflower is an annual oilseed crop native to parts of Africa and Asia. The safflower plan grows from 0.3 to 1.2 meters high and has flowers that may be red, orange, yellow, or white. The dried flowers may be used to obtain textile dye. Oil is the other substance obtained from the plan seed.
Safflower oil does not yellow with age, making is useful in preparing varnish and paint. Most of the oil, however, is consumed in the form of soft margarines, salad oil, and cooking oil. In addition, Safflower provides two other main products: meal, and birdseed.
Ethiopian Seasame Seed Ethiopian Seasame Seed (Humera Type)

Sesame Seeds is the seed from Sesamum Indicum which has numerous types and varieties belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. Cultivated since ancient times for its seeds, which are used as food, flavoring and oil. The chief constituent of the seed is its fixed oil, which usually amount to about 44 to 60 percent. Noted for its stability, the oil resists oxidative rancidity.

The whitish Sesame Seeds produced in Ethiopia are called Humera type Sesame Seed. We import sesame seeds that are cultivated with no application of chemicals which are produced in the lowlands of Ethiopia. Humer type Sesame Seed contains 49.0-52.1% pure oil.
Ethiopian Seasame Seed Ethiopian White Pea Beans

White pea beans are legumes which are the richest source of vegetable protein. Beans alone do not contain all of the essential amino acids needed to be classified as a "complete" protein. So, it is essential to understand the importance of complementary proteins if you are eating a strictly vegetarian diet. As in any diet, the combination of beans and grains can be an ideal low-fat, cholesterol-free alternative to meat. By consuming other complementary proteins, such as rice or bread, at any time throughout the day during other meals, you can meet your body's complete protein requirements.

White pea beans are a very high source of soluble fibre. Some medical studies show that beans help to lower blood cholesterol and may control blood sugar in people with diabetes. A healthy daily intake of fibre is generally recognized to be between 25 and 30 grams. It is best to eat a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibre (roughage) each day. A one-cup serving of white pea beans, containing 13 grams of fibre, helps towards your daily goal. Compare this with 1.4 grams in a slice of whole wheat bread or 3.5 grams in an apple with skin.