Preparation of Black Sesame Seeds

Toasting

• Toasting sesame is a common way of preparing this herb in Japan. Toast the seeds just prior to using them for the best effect. Begin with raw seeds, which are available at many Asian markets. Use a frying pan over medium heat on the stove top. Put the seeds in for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. You'll see some oil coming out of them as you cook. Turn off the heat and transfer the seeds to a cooling platter. The toasted black sesame seeds can be used in anything for which you would use regular sesame.

Roasting

• Roasted black sesame is very similar to toasted, with the exception of using your oven. There is less of a chance of burning the seeds when you use oven preparation. Instead of a frying pan, use a cookie sheet. Put the seeds in the oven at 300 degrees. After 7 minutes, stir the seeds around. After 10 minutes the seeds start having a heady aroma. Remove after approximately 15 minutes. Once completed, the roasted seeds taste wonderful in cookies, bread and cakes.

Puree or Paste

• Sesame seed puree, also called tahini in the Middle East, has a texture similar to peanut butter. Prepare the paste by putting a cup of black sesame seeds in your blender. Add 1 tsp. of peanut oil and turn the blender on low. Slowly add a little more oil until the sesame puree reaches the desired texture. In this form the seeds go well with peanut butter for making sauces or with hummus as a spread or dip.

Meal or Flour

• Sesame meal or flour has a high fiber content with very little fat. Begin with toasted or roasted black sesame seeds. Cool them completely, then transfer them to the blender. Turn the machine on high. Stop and stir to check the consistency. You want a dry powder. Once prepared, try this as a condiment or use it in baking.