Local Lao sesame seeds are small and brown rather than cream-coloured, but the cream-coloured seed is an acceptable substitute. Black sesame is smaller, more fragrant and expensive. They are an important ingredient in soop pak. In northern Laos, roasted black sesame seeds are mashed with a clump of sticky rice and eaten for breakfast or snacked on by children. Seeds and processed oil are exported. The oil is used to treat sprains.