Sesame Seeds — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Sesame seeds should be uniform in color, either white, golden, or black, and have a slight sheen, indicating they are fresh and rich in oils. The seeds should be crisp and free from moisture.

Do not purchase sesame seeds that are clumped together or smell musty, as these are signs they have absorbed moisture and may have gone bad. Sesame seeds that are dull in appearance or have a bitter taste should also be avoided.

Sesame seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keeping them in the pantry helps preserve their flavor and crunchiness for up to six months. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life even further.

Exposure to moisture can cause sesame seeds to spoil and lose their quality. Avoid storing them near heat sources or in humid environments. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep them fresh and prevent contamination.

Sesame seeds can last for 6-12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For longer storage, sesame seeds can be refrigerated or frozen, where they can last up to 1-2 years.

Leftover sesame seeds can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to dishes like salads, stir-fries, breads, and baked goods. They can be toasted and sprinkled over vegetables, rice, or noodles, or used as a coating for meats and fish.

Beyond cooking, sesame seeds have several other uses. They can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing them with honey or yogurt to create an exfoliating body scrub. Sesame seeds can also be used in craft projects, such as creating textured art or adding a decorative touch to homemade candles or soaps. Additionally, sesame seeds can be planted in the garden to grow sesame plants, which produce more seeds over time. In traditional medicine, sesame seeds are sometimes consumed to support digestive health and provide a source of healthy fats and nutrients.