WADAMAN SESAME - Osaka, Japan
Five generations of sesame mastery since 1883
Wadaman is recognised as Japan's finest sesame roaster, a family business now led by Etsuji Wada, the fourth-generation master roaster with over 45 years of experience. Based in Osaka's historic Tenma district - where dried food specialists have gathered since the Edo period - Wadaman does one thing extraordinarily well: sesame. That's all they're focusing on and they're doing it in such an inspiring way.
The Triple-Roasting Technique
What sets Wadaman apart is their unique triple-roasting process: low temperature, then high, then low again. This meticulous technique creates perfectly round seeds with a delicate, nuanced flavour unlike any other. For their oils, they use only the first pressing, requiring 5kg of seeds to produce just 1 litre of oil - resulting in an elegant, bright, clear oil that's subtle rather than overpowering.
Growing Their Own
Since 2010, Wadaman has been committed to growing sesame in Japan, working with over 200 contracted farmers across the country - including schools! As well as farming their own organic fields in Nara Prefecture. Their JAS organic certification (since 2002) ensures production without pesticides or chemical fertilisers. They also source from the world's best growers in Turkey, Egypt, Bolivia, and Ethiopia. Their passion for growing and connecting with other small scale farmers came when they found out that Japan only grew 1% of the sesame they consumed. They are passionate about involving children in the processing of sesame seeds. I find this very inspiring. x
The family's philosophy? Time, effort, passion, and love are the secrets behind truly delicious products.
Hop over to their website: WADAMAN SESAME
Link to Sesame Oil and roasted Sesame Seeds
