Did You Know?
Tahini appears in ancient texts from 3000 BC. It is essentially sesame seed butter and shares a similar relationship with sesame seeds as peanut butter has with peanuts. In Israel, tahini consumption per capita is the highest in the world.
Overview
Middle East · Year-round · nuts
Tahini is a paste made from ground roasted sesame seeds with a rich, nutty, slightly bitter flavor. It is foundational to Middle Eastern cooking — essential in hummus, baba ganoush, halva, and as a dressing or sauce.
Middle East
Origin
Year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
nuts
Category
Flavor Profile
Nuttyslightly bittersesame
Storage Tips
Store unopened tahini in cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening for up to 6 months. Oil will separate — normal; just stir. Some brands benefit from refrigeration even before opening.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Tahini
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Stir well before using — oil separates during storage. For smoother sauce: dilute with lemon juice, water, and garlic. The sauce thickens initially when adding water then loosens — keep adding liquid. Quality tahini should be pourable not solid.
Best Pairings
LemonGarlicChickpeasEggplantHoneyChocolateZa'atar
Substitutes
Almond butter (different flavor, similar creaminess), sunflower seed butter (allergy-friendly), cashew butter
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Tahini
Nutrition Highlights
per_100g
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Quick Facts
Categorynuts
OriginMiddle East
SeasonYear-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Rich in calcium (more than milk by weight), phosphorus, and copper. High in sesame lignans with antioxidant effects. Good source of plant-based protein. Contains sesamin which may reduce inflammation and cholesterol.
Tahini Photos
4 photos showcasing Tahini in its many forms
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Tahini
nuts
OriginMiddle East
SeasonYear-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Nuttyslightly bittersesame
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Pairs Well With
LemonGarlicChickpeasEggplantHoneyChocolateZa'atar
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