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Black sesame seeds are unhulled sesame seeds with a deeper, nuttier and slightly bitter flavour than white sesame. They are used whole, toasted and ground into paste for Chinese desserts, Japanese dressings, ice cream and baking.
Where to buy black sesame in the UK
Black sesame seeds are stocked by most large UK supermarkets, while black sesame paste is easiest to find in Chinese and Japanese grocers.
Which aisle are black sesame seeds in?
Black sesame seeds sit with the seeds and nuts in the baking aisle, or in the world food aisle. Black sesame paste is usually only in Asian grocers.
Asian supermarkets
Chinese and Japanese grocers stock both seeds and paste, often in larger, cheaper packs.
Buying it online
Online is the easiest way to find pure black sesame paste in a range of sizes.
Toasted vs raw in store
Ask whether black sesame seeds on the shelf are pre-toasted or raw, toasted are ready to use immediately while raw need a couple of minutes in a dry pan first for the best flavour.
What is black sesame?
How to use it
- Toast in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, then grind for pastes and fillings.
- Blend with rice and sugar for a sweet black sesame soup.
- Use as the filling for tang yuan.
Where black sesame is used
Beyond desserts like black sesame soup and ice cream, it also appears in savoury Japanese dressings, as a garnish on rice and noodle dishes, and ground into a filling for buns and pastries, its nutty bitterness works in both sweet and savoury contexts.
Toasting brings out the flavour
A brief dry toast in a pan, until the seeds smell nutty and begin to pop, noticeably improves the flavour compared with using them straight from the packet untoasted.
Buying in small quantities
Since it is used sparingly and can turn rancid if stored too long, a smaller pack bought more often is generally better than a large one that sits unused.
The best black sesame to buy in the UK
Toasted black sesame seeds and a pure, unsweetened black sesame paste cover most uses, and both are stocked by Chinese and Japanese grocers. Black sesame has a deeper, nuttier and slightly bitter flavour than white sesame, used in Chinese desserts, Japanese dressings and baking.
What to check on the label
- Toasted versus raw seeds, toasted give more flavour straight away.
- Pure paste should list black sesame only, some are sweetened for desserts.
- Check for a fresh, nutty smell, since sesame turns rancid over time.
Black sesame vs white sesame
| Type | Flavour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Black sesame | Deeper, nuttier, slightly bitter | Desserts, sweet soups, dressings |
| White sesame | Milder, sweeter | Garnishes, tahini, stir-fries |
Toasted vs raw seeds
Pre-toasted black sesame seeds are ready to use straight away, while raw seeds need toasting yourself in a dry pan for the best flavour, taking only a couple of minutes but requiring a bit more attention. Check the label if you want to skip that step.
Pure paste vs sweetened
Some black sesame paste is pre-sweetened for desserts, while a pure, unsweetened version gives you control to use it in both sweet and savoury contexts, check the label for added sugar if you plan to use it in a dressing rather than a dessert.
Small jar or bag is usually enough
Black sesame is used in small amounts per recipe, a smaller pack is often more practical than a large one that sits half-used for a long time.
How to store black sesame
Keep seeds in an airtight jar in the fridge or freezer to stop them turning rancid, paste keeps in the fridge once opened, where it lasts for several months.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when black sesame is toasted?
Colour will not tell you, so go by smell. Remove them as soon as they smell nutty and start to pop.
Is black sesame healthier than white sesame?
They are nutritionally similar. The hull on black sesame adds a little extra fibre and calcium.
Is black sesame paste the same as tahini?
No. Tahini is made from white sesame and is usually lighter in colour and flavour.
How do I stop sesame seeds going rancid?
Keep them in an airtight jar in the fridge or freezer once opened.
How long do black sesame seeds keep?
About six months in the cupboard, or longer in the freezer.
Shop this
- Black sesame paste. For black sesame soup, ice cream and dressings.
