Tahini paste explained: characteristics, pricing, and where to purchase. How is it made, and what culinary uses does it have?
Laura Schneider
2026-03-21
4 min. read
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Tahini, occasionally referred to simply as sesame seed paste, is produced by processing sesame seeds that undergo hulling and gentle toasting before being finely ground into a smooth, spreadable consistency. In certain culinary traditions, particularly in specific global regions, the step of removing the seed hulls may be omitted entirely. This product plays a pivotal role in the diets of populations across the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean coastline, where it serves as a foundational ingredient in the preparation of dishes such as hummus and the sweet confection known as halva (or halawa in some variations).
Pasta of tahini
Tahini paste is a seeds' meat. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) has been used by humans for about 6,000 years, and its first cultivations appeared in central Africa, from where it spread to Egypt, the Middle East, India, China, and other countries. Common words from one of the fables from the Book of One Thousand and One Nights, "Seasame open!, probably derive from the description of the process of opening sesame seeds. This expression was meant to open the door to a chamber filled with seeds of treasure hidden in the rock, which can be considered an allegory of wealth from sesame.
Tahini's properties
Sesame seeds have been valued for their nutritional properties for thousands of years. They contain about 55% oil and about 20% protein. The predominant fatty acids are oleic and linoleic acids (39 and 40% acids), while amino acids: magnesium, leucine, and methionine (140, 75, 36 g/g). In addition, they have a potent antioxidant value of 100 mg/g (100 mg/kg), as well as arginine, magnesium, and magnesium (49, 200 mg/100 g).
Tahini price, where to buy
Sesame is a fairly inexpensive raw material the price per kilogram of tahini flour is around PLN 35. It can be purchased in some supermarkets as well as in online stores with a slightly broader offer.
How do you make tahini paste?
After being purified by scrubbing, washing and drying, the seeds are usually roasted at 120°C (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The roasting extracts their characteristic, rich flavor. During processing, they are sometimes mechanically peeled.
Tahini use
Tahini paste has a very wide range of uses. It can be used as a dietary supplement to dry products such as bread or tea, as well as as an essential ingredient in other products, such as chale or humus. It is also used to season rice, meat, salads and sauces. Low price, high nutritional value and exceptional flavour favour such wide use. Tahini pasta can be a valuable part of the diet. Its valuable nutrient content makes it possible to improve health in some seeds of obesity-related diseases in developed countries.