Black Sesame Seeds

Whole black sesame seeds from Sesamum indicum. Compared with white sesame they taste richer, nuttier and slightly earthy, and the deep black colour gives sharp visual contrast against pale rice, dough or sauce.

Sesame was originally cultivated in Africa and is now grown widely across Asia. The seeds bring colour and complexity as much as flavour, which is why they turn up in both savoury dishes and sweets.

How to use it

They are a staple of Japanese, Korean and Chinese cooking, scattered over sushi and rice bowls, ground into sauces, and used in desserts. The toasted aroma and crisp texture also suit breads, pastries and crackers. Technique tip: toast them in a dry pan over a medium heat and judge by smell rather than colour, since you cannot watch them darken. When the nutty aroma rises, take the pan off the heat, as another thirty seconds turns them bitter.

Details

Also known as

Kuro Goma, Hei Zhi Ma, 검은깨, Semillas de Sésamo Negro, Schwarzer Sesam, Graines de Sésame Noir, Semi di Sesamo Nero, クロゴマ, سمسم أسود, काला तिल