Black sesame seed

Black sesame seeds are the small, dark-coated seeds of sesame, used whole, ground or toasted in cooking. They are sprinkled over foods, mixed into doughs and sauces, or ground into pastes. They are commonly sold as raw whole seeds, toasted seeds and, less often, hulled seeds or meal.

The seeds are flat and oval, with a firm, dry texture and a nutty flavour that becomes more fragrant after toasting. Their dark skins distinguish them visually from white sesame seeds. A seed, ground meal, paste and extracted sesame oil are different forms, with distinct textures and culinary uses.