Tahini also known as sesame paste is made by crushing sesame seeds.  It is used in both Middle Eastern and East Asian cooking.  In the Middle East the tahini is made from seeds which have been hulled but the East Asian is made from unhulled seeds which makes it darker and more bitter but higher in nutrients. 

Tahini is a good source of calcium, B vitamins and essential fatty acids.  It also has good levels of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and helpful in slowing down the ageing process. Tahini and sesame seeds are good foods in terms of bone health because of the high calcium levels.  The fats from the sesame oil are mostly unsaturated and are helpful in maintaining healthy skin and hair.

 

Tahini also had good levels of an amino acid methionine.  This amino acid is important for efficient liver detoxification. 

 

Tahini is most commonly used in making hummus which also includes chick peas, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic but it can also be a substitute spread instead of butter or margarine.  It can also be used to make a sauce for vegetables just by adding a bit of tamari (or soya sauce) and lemon and mixing to the consistency that is preferred. 

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