Sesame Seeds

Note: Before purchasing Sesame Seeds or deciding to cook with them, make sure that nobody in your household is allergic to them. They can trigger the same allergic reactions as seen with other food allergies, and individuals who have nut allergies can have cross-reactivity to sesame seeds.

The Spice

Sesamum is a genus of plants in the Pedalium family and includes 20 species. One of these species, Sesamum indica, is grown across the globe for its edible seeds and is referred to as Sesame or Benne. It is one of the oldest oilseed crops, domesticated over 3,000 years ago in India, and produces seeds with a rich, nutty profile. These tiny bursts of flavor are used in many dishes, most popularly on buns and bagels, in a wide variety of Asian dishes, and to enhance crackers and other sweets around the world.

Sesame seeds can be found in most grocery stores, but they are also easy to grow and harvest at home. Sesame seed plants are grown as annuals, and produce seed pods that burst open when mature. To learn more about Sesame plants, including how to grow and harvest them, see the Sesamum plant page. When purchasing these seeds, consumers have a choice between white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Although they do have slightly different flavor profiles, the two types of seeds are typically chosen for their appearance.

Black sesame seeds are known to be more bitter than their lighter counterparts, and are typically used in dishes alongside other bold ingredients so they are not overwhelming. These seeds typically still have their hulls on, adding extra texture to dishes like sushi. ​White sesame seeds, on the other hand, have a delicate and nutty flavor and can be used in most dishes to complement other flavors. They do not have hulls, and have a softer texture. They are popularly used on hot dog and hamburger buns. White sesame seeds can be toasted to bring out more of their flavor. To complete this process, they can either be dry toasted for a few minutes on the stove or baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between 8 and 15 minutes' time. During baking, the seeds are stirred every few minutes.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting Sesamum plants requires waiting until the end of the growing season when seed pods have turned brown and dried out. Entire stems are cut from the plant and hung upside down to continue drying. Seeds are released naturally during this process, and towards the end, stems are shaken to release seeds. After harvesting, seeds are laid out to ensure they are not holding any extra moisture, which can ruin the storage process and cause the sesame seeds to mold.

Store sesame seeds in an airtight glass container placed in an area that is cool, dark, and dry. They will stay good (and keep their flavor) for about six months. To store seeds for longer amounts of time, consider storing them in the refrigerator (for up to a year) or freezer (for up to two years). To check if seeds have gone bad, open their container and smell them. If there is a sour, bitter, or generally unpleasant smell, the seeds should be disposed of.

Using Sesame Seeds

Note: Before purchasing Sesame Seeds or deciding to cook with them, make sure that nobody in your household is allergic to them. They can trigger the same allergic reactions as seen with other food allergies, and individuals who have nut allergies can have cross-reactivity to sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds are used whole, and are a common ingredient in many different cuisines. They add a richness and nutty flavor. Most people come into contact with sesame seeds when they are added to baked goods like bagels and buns for barbequed meats or used to add crunch and flavor to sushi rolls. They play a key role in spice blends like Gomashio, Shichimi Togarashi, Furikake, and Za'atar. In addition to being in dry seasonings and rubs, these seeds are also the stars of condiments like Tahini, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, and Halva. Black Sesame, Gajak, and Funchi Criollo are soups that are created using sesame seeds as a main component.​

Desserts can be made featuring sesame seeds as well. Cookies, cakes, pastes, and bars are created using whole or mashed seeds. Examples include Barazek, Chikki, Binangkal, Pasteli, Tikut, and Benne Wafers. Cakes like Changzhou and Huangqiao Sesame Cakes are traditional Chinese dessert items that feature sesame seeds. They are also used to make candies, like Mampostial, Pilones de Ajonjoli, and Tilgul.

Sesame seeds are and will continue to be,  staple seasoning; their flavor, texture and health benefits make them indispensable additions to any spice cabinet.

References

What is a Sesame Seed?

Wikipedia: List of Sesame Seed Dishes

Wikipedia: Sesame