Tahini
Tahini is the voice of the sesame seed, grounded, smooth, and ancient. Its bitterness is wisdom and its creaminess is grace. It carries earth’s warmth and restraint in perfect proportion. Each spoonful feels like stability made edible, a union of shadow and light. It speaks to endurance, how something so small can contain such depth and calm power.
VOLUME
Moderate
FLAVOR PAIRINGS
Almond, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, apricot, avocado oil, basil, beet, black garlic, black pepper, black sesame, blueberry, cacao, cardamom, caramelized onion, cashew, cashew cream, cauliflower, chili, cinnamon, clove, coconut cream, coconut milk, coconut nectar, coconut yogurt, coriander seed, cumin, date syrup, dill, fennel seed, fig, garlic, ginger, grapefruit, harissa, hazelnut, hemp seed, honey substitute (plant-based), jackfruit, kale, lemon, lime, maple syrup, marjoram, miso, molasses, mushroom, mustard seed, nutritional yeast, olive oil, onion, orange, oregano, paprika, parsley, pomegranate molasses, poppy seed, pumpkin, quinoa, raspberry, red bell pepper, roasted carrot, roasted garlic, rosemary, saffron, sage, sea salt, seitan, sesame, shallot, smoked paprika, spinach, strawberry, sumac, sunflower seed, sweet potato, tamari, tamarind, tarragon, thyme, tomato, truffle oil, turmeric, walnut, white beans, white miso, white pepper, white wine vinegar, za’atar, zucchini, vegan baba ganoush, vegan brownies, vegan cookies, vegan dressings, vegan hummus, vegan ice cream, vegan roasted vegetables, vegan salad, vegan sauces, and vegan tahini dressing.
SELECTING
Choose tahini that’s made from 100% sesame seeds — ideally stone-ground and lightly roasted or raw, depending on preference. Look for a smooth, pourable texture and natural oil separation (a sign of purity, not spoilage). Avoid overly thick or gritty tahini, which signals oxidation or poor grinding. Fresh tahini should smell nutty, clean, and slightly warm — never sharp or rancid.
HOW TO USE
Stir before using to reincorporate natural oils. Use raw tahini for delicate dressings, dips, or desserts, and toasted tahini for deeper, warmer flavor. Whisk with lemon, garlic, and water for a silky vegan sauce, or blend into smoothies, spreads, and cookies for creaminess. Drizzle over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or fruit for a rich, earthy finish. Combine with miso, maple, or citrus to explore its full tonal range — sweet, savory, and bitter in harmony.
STORING
Store in a sealed glass jar at room temperature away from sunlight, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Stir periodically to maintain texture. Properly stored, tahini can last up to six months once opened.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Replace with cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for similar texture and mild nuttiness. For a lighter flavor, use blended white miso and water. If you need more richness, add a touch of coconut cream or olive oil to mimic tahini’s body.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Tahini is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and plant-based protein. Its healthy fats support hormone and brain function, while sesamin and sesamolin — unique sesame lignans — act as potent antioxidants. Energetically, tahini grounds and stabilizes: it nourishes the root and sacral centers, supporting focus, digestion, and emotional steadiness.
CONCERNS
Oxidized or old tahini can turn bitter and lose vitality. Excess intake may feel heavy for some due to its fat density. Always stir well to avoid consuming only the dense sediment or surface oil. Ensure your tahini is made from pesticide-free sesame seeds to maintain purity.
HISTORY
Tahini traces its origins to ancient Mesopotamia and the Eastern Mediterranean, where sesame was one of the first cultivated oil seeds. Revered in both ritual and sustenance, it spread through the Levant and North Africa as a cornerstone of nourishment. In Alchemy’s kitchen, tahini carries that lineage forward — a symbol of transformation through simplicity, and proof that true richness begins with what’s raw and real.
