What Is Black Sesame?
Black sesame (黑芝麻) is one of the oldest cultivated oilseed crops in the world, recognized for its dark color, rich aroma, and wide use across Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Despite its small size, black sesame is known for its high nutritional value, containing healthy fats, plant-based proteins, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals.
One of the compounds is sesamin (芝麻素), a natural substance found in sesame seeds. Its structure is similar to certain animal estrogens, and it has become a popular ingredient in health supplements due to its antioxidant and wellness-supporting properties.
Black sesame can be enjoyed in many forms: whole seeds, sesame paste, sesame powder, or as a cooking ingredient. In addition to its flavor and versatility, it is appreciated for potential benefits such as aiding digestion, supporting metabolic health, and promoting better sleep.
Nutrient-rich and widely adaptable, black sesame remains an important part of both traditional and modern diets.
How Does Black Sesame Taste?
Black sesame has a mild, slightly grassy, and subtly nutty flavor with a gentle aroma and softer taste. Through the roasting process, its flavor becomes much richer and more pronounced- developing a deep nuttiness, warm aroma, and lightly sweet, robust roasted intensity. When stone-ground into a paste, it becomes silky, smooth, and indulgent that brings out its signature depth and creaminess.
How to Use Black Sesame
Black sesame paste and seeds contain nutrients and flavor. They can be creatively used in a variety of ways:
- Baking & Cooking:
- Incorporate into bread, muffins, cookies, pancakes, scones, or granola for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use as a topping for salads, noodles, rice, or porridge for texture and nutty aroma.
- Smoothies & Beverages:
- Blend into smoothies, protein shakes, or milk for extra nutrients and a subtle sesame taste.
- Seasoning & Garnish:
- Toast the remains lightly to enhance flavor and sprinkle over dishes like stir-fries, soups, or roasted vegetables.
- Mix with salt or sugar to make a simple sesame seasoning.
- Nutritive Additives:
- Add to energy bites, cereal bars, or yogurt for extra fiber, protein, and micronutrients.
— Sesame Pro US Team, 2025