From Sesame Seed to Bottle at RJS: The Journey of Our Sesame Oil

Every bottle of sesame oil has a story.

It begins with sesame seeds grown by farmers. Those seeds are selected, inspected, cleaned and prepared before being pressed to release their oil. The extracted oil then goes through settling, further handling, quality checks and packing before it reaches your kitchen.

At RJS Healthy Foods, we believe customers should understand this journey—not just the product they see on the shelf.

Our sesame oil is made using a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds sourced from farmers, including farmers in the Cauvery Delta region.

In this article, let's follow the journey of sesame oil at RJS, from raw seeds to the finished bottle.

1. It Starts With Sesame Seeds

Before oil production begins, the first important step is choosing suitable sesame seeds.

Sesame is an agricultural product, and its characteristics can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, maturity, harvesting and storage.

These differences can influence how the seeds behave during processing.

At RJS, our sesame oil uses a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds.

We don't consider seed colour alone to be a guarantee of quality. The condition of the raw material and how it is handled throughout production are equally important.

Good production starts with understanding the material being processed.

2. Connecting the Product With Farmers

Behind every agricultural raw material is a farmer who has invested time, effort and resources in growing the crop.

RJS works with farmers to source raw materials for its food products, including sesame.

Our connection with farmers is an important part of our approach to building a food business.

However, sourcing is only the beginning. Seeds must also be inspected and assessed before they are accepted for production.

The aim is to work with suitable raw material and handle it responsibly as it moves through the manufacturing process.

3. Inspecting the Sesame Seeds

Once a sesame lot reaches the production process, it needs to be checked.

The condition of the seeds matters because unwanted materials, unsuitable moisture levels and poor storage conditions can affect processing.

Depending on the lot and applicable procedures, raw-material assessment can include:

• Visual inspection of the seeds

• Checking for visible stones, soil and other foreign materials

• Moisture assessment

• Collection of representative samples where required

• Reviewing suitability for the intended production process

RJS's general working moisture range for sesame is approximately 4–6%, depending on the batch and production conditions.

This is a working target rather than a claim that every batch arrives at exactly the same moisture level.

These checks help identify potential problems before the material moves to the next stage.

4. Cleaning the Seeds Before Extraction

Sesame seeds may carry dust, soil, small stones or other unwanted material from harvesting, transportation and storage.

Before pressing, the seeds must be cleaned appropriately.

Cleaning helps prepare the raw material for extraction and supports responsible handling throughout production.

This stage is easy to overlook when looking at a finished bottle, but it is an important part of the journey.

The oil doesn't begin its journey at the extraction machine. It begins with the condition of the seeds entering the production process.

5. Preparing the Seeds for Pressing

After inspection and cleaning, the sesame seeds are prepared for extraction.

The preparation requirements depend on the condition of the raw material and the production method being used.

The goal is to ensure that the seeds are suitable for mechanical pressing.

Careful preparation helps the production team manage the next stage more consistently.

It also illustrates an important principle: each stage of food production builds on the stage before it.

6. Mechanical Pressing: Turning Seeds Into Oil

This is the stage where sesame seeds become sesame oil.

At RJS, sesame oil is produced through traditional chekku-style mechanical pressing.

The pressing mechanism applies force to the prepared seeds, helping release the oil contained within them.

The process produces two main outputs:

• Sesame oil: the liquid oil collected after pressing.

• Oil cake: the solid material remaining after much of the oil has been extracted.

The extracted oil is collected for further handling.

At RJS, our stated working approach is to manage the extraction process and keep the temperature below 50°C. Actual operating conditions can vary depending on the raw material and equipment.

Mechanical pressing is a central part of the process, but it is not the final step. The oil must still be handled appropriately after extraction.

7. The Traditional Role of Gundu Vellam

RJS's sesame oil product information lists natural gundu vellam, or traditional jaggery balls, as an ingredient used during extraction.

This is part of the traditional extraction approach described for our sesame oil.

The ingredient details matter because customers deserve clear information about what is used in the product and how it is made.

For this reason, always refer to the ingredient list on the relevant product label for the information applicable to the bottle you purchase.

8. Allowing the Extracted Oil to Settle

Freshly extracted sesame oil may contain fine suspended particles from the raw material.

After pressing, the oil needs suitable post-extraction handling.

At RJS, our general process includes sunlight settling for approximately 7–14 days, depending on the product and production conditions.

During settling, heavier suspended particles can gradually move towards the bottom of the container.

This helps separate some of the settled material from the clearer portion of the oil.

Settling is a gradual process, and the time required can vary. It is also important to remember that settling alone does not establish the complete quality or safety of an oil.

9. Further Handling and Filtration

Once the settling stage is complete, the oil is handled further in preparation for packing.

Filtration can help remove suspended particles that remain after settling, depending on the process used.

Settling and filtration have different functions:

• Settling gives heavier particles time to move downwards.

• Filtration separates particles that can be captured by the selected filtering medium.

These steps can influence the oil's appearance and clarity.

However, a clear bottle does not automatically mean better quality, just as slight cloudiness does not automatically mean poor quality.

Raw-material condition, hygienic handling, suitable processing, relevant testing and appropriate storage all contribute to the finished product.

10. Quality Checks Before the Bottle Is Filled

Before sesame oil is packed, appropriate quality checks are important.

The checks performed depend on the product, the production requirements and the applicable quality-control procedures.

They may include reviewing relevant processing records, product characteristics, packaging suitability and applicable test results.

RJS's wider raw-material quality approach includes representative sampling and laboratory testing where applicable.

The purpose is to assess the material or product against the relevant requirements rather than relying only on its appearance.

A visual check cannot establish every aspect of oil quality, so appropriate testing and documented procedures remain important.

11. Packing the Finished Sesame Oil

After the required processing and checks, the sesame oil is packed into suitable containers.

Packaging helps protect the product during storage, transportation and handling.

At this stage, the oil has moved through a complete production journey:

Farmer → Sesame Seeds → Inspection → Cleaning → Preparation → Mechanical Pressing → Settling → Further Handling → Quality Checks → Packing

The bottle may look simple, but reaching this stage involves multiple steps.

Customers can also contribute to proper product handling by checking the seal, reading the label and following the recommended storage instructions.

12. From Our Manufacturing Unit to Your Kitchen

Once packed, the oil is prepared for distribution through the relevant sales channels.

RJS Healthy Foods serves customers through its retail outlets and online store.

The journey that began with agricultural raw material eventually ends in a customer's kitchen, where the oil may be used in traditional dishes, gravies, seasoning and other preparations.

This connection between raw materials, production and everyday food is an important part of what we do.

Our goal is to help customers understand the product they are buying and make informed decisions based on its ingredients, manufacturing information and quality practices.

Why Does Every Stage Matter?

Each stage serves a different purpose.

Production stage	Why it matters
Raw-material selection	Helps identify suitable sesame seeds
Inspection and sampling	Helps assess the condition of the raw material
Cleaning	Removes unwanted foreign material
Moisture assessment	Helps manage raw-material suitability
Mechanical pressing	Releases oil from the seeds
Settling	Allows heavier suspended particles to move downwards
Further handling and filtration	Helps prepare the oil for packing
Quality checks	Assess relevant product and process requirements
Packaging	Protects the product during storage and distribution

No single stage tells the whole story. The finished product depends on how the different stages work together.

How Can Customers Choose Sesame Oil More Confidently?

When buying sesame oil, don't judge the product by colour alone.

Instead, consider the following:

1. Check the ingredients. Understand what is listed on the product label.

2. Check the manufacturer. Look for clear company and product information.

3. Understand the extraction method. Look for an accurate explanation of how the oil is produced.

4. Check the packaging. Make sure the seal is intact and the container is not damaged.

5. Read the date information. Check the manufacturing or packing date and best-before details.

6. Follow storage instructions. Protect the oil from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

7. Pay attention to unexpected changes. Unusual odours, visible contamination or damaged packaging should not be ignored.

These checks provide a more useful basis for choosing oil than appearance alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does sesame seed become sesame oil at RJS?

The process includes selecting suitable sesame seeds, inspecting and cleaning the raw material, preparing it for pressing, mechanically extracting the oil, allowing it to settle, carrying out further handling and relevant quality checks, and packing the finished product.

What sesame seeds does RJS use?

RJS uses a selected blend of red, white and black sesame seeds sourced from farmers, including farmers in the Cauvery Delta region.

Does RJS use gundu vellam in sesame oil production?

RJS's sesame oil product information lists natural gundu vellam as an ingredient used during extraction. Refer to the relevant product label for the applicable ingredient information.

Why is sesame oil allowed to settle?

Settling gives heavier suspended particles time to move towards the bottom of the container. This helps prepare the oil for subsequent handling.

How long does RJS allow sesame oil to settle?

RJS's general process uses sunlight settling for approximately 7–14 days, depending on the product and production conditions.

Is sesame oil filtered after pressing?

Further handling may include filtration to remove suspended particles. Settling and filtration are different processes, and the exact procedure depends on the product and production requirements.

Does clear sesame oil mean better quality?

Not necessarily. Clarity alone cannot establish the oil's overall quality, authenticity or safety. Consider the manufacturer, ingredients, production information, applicable testing and packaging.

How should I store RJS sesame oil?

Keep the container tightly closed and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Follow the storage instructions printed on the product label.

Explore RJS Sesame Oil

At RJS Healthy Foods, the journey from sesame seed to bottle brings together agricultural raw materials, traditional mechanical extraction and post-extraction handling.

We believe customers should be able to understand how their food is made and what to look for when choosing a product.

If you are looking for sesame oil for your kitchen, explore our product details and available pack sizes.

Traditional Process. Modern Quality.

Explore RJS Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

You can also visit RJS Healthy Foods to explore our range of oils and traditional food products.

Final Takeaway

From the farmer's field to the bottle in your kitchen, sesame oil passes through several important stages.

At RJS, the journey includes selected sesame seeds, raw-material inspection, cleaning, mechanical pressing, settling, further handling, quality checks and packing.

Each stage contributes to the process, and each deserves attention.

The next time you pick up a bottle of sesame oil, remember that understanding its journey can help you make a more informed choice.

From carefully selected seeds to a finished bottle—that is the journey behind RJS sesame oil.