Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a highly versatile ingredient used in various culinary traditions around the world. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture make them suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some common ways sesame seeds are used in cooking:

Topping for Breads and Rolls: Sesame seeds are often sprinkled on top of bread, hamburger buns, and rolls before baking, giving them a distinctive look and flavor.

Sesame Oil: Extracted from sesame seeds, sesame oil is a staple in Asian cooking. It's used for its rich, nutty flavor in stir-fries, marinades, and as a finishing oil in many dishes.

Sushi Rolls: Sesame seeds are commonly used to coat or sprinkle on sushi rolls, adding a nutty taste and texture contrast to the dish.

Salad Dressings and Dips: Ground or whole sesame seeds are used in dressings and dips, such as tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), which is a key ingredient in hummus and baba ganoush.

Seasoning Mixes: Sesame seeds are included in various seasoning mixes, such as everything bagel seasoning and Japanese furikake, which is used to season rice, vegetables, and fish.

Desserts and Sweets: In Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, sesame seeds are used in sweets like halva, sesame bars, and sesame seed balls (a popular Chinese dessert).

Toasted for Flavor: Toasting sesame seeds before using them in recipes can enhance their flavor significantly. They can be toasted in a dry skillet or in the oven.

Encrusting: Sesame seeds can be used to encrust meats or fish before pan-frying, adding a crunchy texture and nutty taste to the exterior.

In Granolas and Cereals: Sesame seeds are added to granolas, muesli, and cereal mixes for extra crunch and nutritional value.

In Crackers and Cookies: Sesame seeds are used in various baked goods, including crackers and cookies, providing a subtle nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Sesame seeds not only add flavor and texture to dishes but also offer nutritional benefits, including a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.