Seeds

Sesame

Sesamum indicum

Tiny, ancient, and the base of tahini's silky protein.

Protein
18g
Calories
573
Fibre
12g
Amino profile
Incomplete

Macros are per 100g of the cooked ingredient (e.g. oats, quinoa, lentils and other pantry staples that require cooking). Nutritional values are estimated using recognised nutrition databases and calorie-tracking software to provide a practical guide, although they may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use.

Origin

India / Africa, ~3000 BCE

Culinary uses

  • · Tahini
  • · Sprinkled on breads
  • · Gomasio
  • · Halva

Cooking guide

Toast just until fragrant — they burn fast.

Storage

Airtight, cool. Tahini: stir before use, keeps months.

Buying guide

Black or white; tahini should be silky, not chalky.

Health benefits

  • Calcium
  • Lignans
  • Copper

Common varieties

WhiteBlackToastedHulled

Related ingredients

Recipes using sesame