Sesame Seed Butter

Also indexed as: Tahini

The featured ingredient in hummus, tahini is used to make soups, sauces, and gravies, too.

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Sesame seed butter and tahini are versatile, protein-rich, pastes made from ground sesame seeds. They are used in a variety of Asian and Middle Eastern recipes, including hummus, a popular chickpea spread.

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.

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.

Availability

Sesame seed butter and tahini are sold year-round in well-stocked supermarkets, natural food stores, and Asian and Middle Eastern grocery stores.

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.

Nutritional Highlights

Tahini, 1 Tbsp (15g)
Calories: 89
Protein: 2.5g
Carbohydrate: 3.2g
Total Fat: 8.1g
Fiber: 1.4g

Health benefits and concerns

While nut butters can be enjoyed as part of a healthful diet, research on the health benefits of sesame seeds does not necessarily apply to sesame seed butter.

The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.