What is Tahini Paste?

Tahini paste is made from crushed sesame seeds and has quite a nutty taste. Tahini is a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, protein, B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre. Tahini is also a good source of essential fatty acids (EFA's), these EFA's are used in helping to maintain healthy skin. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibres called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans.

Tahini is a frequently used ingredient for people on a raw food diet. It can be used by itself as a dip or as a spread on bread (it is commonly quoted as being a 'peanut butter alternative' but can also be used as a non dairy butter/margarine).

Tahini is also a key ingredient in Hummus. Hummus originates from the Middle East and is a chick pea based spread. Hummus is now a common part of people's diet in Israel, Greece and Turkey. Hummus goes very well with flat breads such as pitta bread. See below for a yummy recipe.

Tahini can be made from either hulled or unhulled sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are milled using a granite stone mill which minimises the heating of the seeds which ensures maximum retention of nutrients in the finished product.

What is the difference between 'Unhulled' & 'Hulled'?

Unhulled tahini is made from the whole sesame seed and is the most nutritionally packed type of tahini. Hulled tahini does not contain the outer husk of the sesame seed so it doesn't contain as much calcium, magnesium, protein and vitamins as the unhulled variety. Hulled tahini is not as bitter tasting as the unhulled type.

Is Tahini Cholesterol Free?

Yes, sesame seeds contain no cholesterol and there are no other ingredients in Melrose Tahini spreads.

Check out the Quick and Easy Hummus Recipe - with Melrose Tahini