Black Sesame Seeds are also called black sesame seeds, black sesame, or black sesame seed. They are small, teardrop shaped seeds, and contain 40-60% volatile oil by weight.

One of the oldest seed spices known to man, wild sesame seeds are thought to have originated in Africa, but it was domesticated in India circa 3500-3000 BC.

Sesame seed varieties differ in whether or not they are hulled. Black seeds still have their hull, while white seeds have had the dark hull removed. The lighter color seeds are more frequently found in Middle Eastern and Western cuisines, while the black seeds are more popular in Asian cuisine.

Black Sesame Seeds are popular with brewpubs, American restaurants, and cafes; seasoning companies; independent spice shops; olive oil shops; and sauce and salsa manufacturers.

We also carry White Sesame Seeds and Toasted Sesame Seeds.

Flavor Profile

Black Sesame Seeds have a nutty, earthy, slightly bitter taste.

How to Use

Black Sesame Seeds add nutty depth to Thai Basil Chicken Soup and a terrific crunch to Spicy Thai Noodles. They’re a wonderful garnish for Korean Cucumber Salad. Sprinkle over Smoky Pork Wontons or Asian Chicken Lettuce Rolls. Add extra texture to Spicy Cabbage Slaw.

Black Sesame Seeds are often used to flavor stir-fry and rice dishes, as a topping for breads and crackers, in breading for chicken or fish, with vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and radish. Pair with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime, orange, apple, clove, soy sauce, fennel, star anise, and chile.