Preparation, uses, and tips
Sesame seed butter and tahini are ingredients in a variety of Asian and Middle Eastern
dishes. Tahini is used to make the popular Middle Eastern dip—hummus—which also
includes puréed chickpeas, lemon juice,
and garlic. Both Sesame seed butter and tahini
can also be thinned with liquid and used to make soups, sauces, and gravies. Because it is
unprocessed, the oil and solids sometimes separate in the jar but can easily be stirred
together before use.
Buying and storing tips
Sesame butter and tahini and can be found in jars or cans. Once opened, they should be kept
refrigerated to prevent rancidity. If kept in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator, sesame
butter will keep for up to three months.
Varieties
There are two main varieties of sesame seed butter: the Asian variety, which is called
sesame butter, and the Middle Eastern variety, which is called tahini. The Asian variety is
usually made with raw sesame seeds and is
thicker than the Middle Eastern variety, which is made with roasted seeds.
Nutrition Highlights
Tahini, 1 Tbsp (15g)
Calories: 89
Protein: 2.5g
Carbohydrate: 3.2g
Total Fat: 8.1g
Fiber: 1.4g