Tahhiini (or tahini) is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s nutty, smooth, and very versatile. People around the world love it in dips, sauces, spreads, and even desserts.
This simple paste has a rich history. It started in the Middle East and now shows up in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re making hummus or a healthy brownie, tahhiini can do it all.
Let’s take a closer look at what it is, where it comes from, and why it’s so good for you.
Where Tahhiini Comes From
The word “tahhiini” comes from Arabic and means “to grind.” That makes sense—it’s made by grinding sesame seeds until they turn into a paste.
Sesame seeds have been around for thousands of years. People in ancient Persia, Egypt, and India used them in cooking and medicine. By the 13th century, it was already in cookbooks in the Middle East.
What Tahhiini Is Made Of
Tahhiini is made from sesame seeds. That’s it.
Sometimes the seeds are roasted, which gives it a deeper flavor. Other times, they’re raw, which makes the paste lighter and more bitter. Some versions use hulled seeds (with the outer shell removed), and some use unhulled seeds.
Why Tahhiini Is Healthy
It isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with good stuff for your body.
Here’s what 2 tablespoons of it can give you:
- 178 calories
- 16 grams of healthy fats
- 5 grams of protein
- Important minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium
It’s also full of antioxidants and natural compounds that fight inflammation and support heart health.
Top Health Benefits of Tahhiini
Good for your heart
The healthy fats in it help lower bad cholesterol.
Reduces inflammation
It is full of sesame compounds that protect your body from stress and disease.
Strengthens bones
The calcium and magnesium support strong, healthy bones.
Helps balance hormones
It may help with hormone health, especially for women.
Supports liver and kidney health
Some studies show it may help your body detox and keep your organs healthy.
How to Use Tahhiini in Food
You can use it in so many ways:
- In savory dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or salad dressings
- In sweets like halva, cookies, brownies, or energy bites
- As a spread on toast with honey or bananas
- In smoothies, soups, and sauces
It pairs well with lemon, garlic, honey, chocolate, herbs, and fruit.
How to Make Tahhiini at Home
You can make it in just a few steps:
- Toast sesame seeds until they smell nutty.
- Blend them in a food processor or blender.
- Add oil (like sesame or olive) to make it smooth.
- Store it in a jar in the fridge.
That’s it! Fresh, homemade it with no added sugar or chemicals.
Raw vs. Roasted Tahhiini
- Raw tahhiini is lighter and more bitter.
- Roasted tahhiini is darker and richer.
Both are healthy. Choose the one that fits your taste and recipe.
Storing Tahhiini
Keep unopened it in a cool, dark place. Once opened, you can:
- Store at room temperature (for 1–3 months)
- Or refrigerate it (to last longer)
If the oil separates, just stir it. That’s normal.
What If You Have a Sesame Allergy?
It is made from sesame, which can cause allergies in some people. If you’re allergic:
- Avoid it and sesame oil
- Try safe substitutes like sunflower seed butter or almond paste
Choosing the Best Tahhiini
When buying it:
- Look for 100% sesame seed
- Choose organic or stone-ground if possible
- Avoid added sugar or preservatives
- The texture should be smooth, not gritty
Sweet Recipes with Tahhiini
It works great in desserts too! Try these ideas:
- Tahhiini brownies
- Tahhiini cookies
- Sesame halva
- Tahhiini drizzled on fruit or pancakes
It adds richness and healthy fats without using dairy.
Is Tahhiini Good for Kids?
Yes! it is full of nutrients kids need, like:
- Protein
- Iron
- Calcium
Mix it into yogurt, spread it on toast, or add it to smoothies.
Always check for allergies first.
Is Tahhiini Good for the Planet?
Yes. Sesame grows in dry areas with little water. It’s a low-impact crop, so it’s good for the environment.
How to Know If Tahhiini Is Bad
Signs your tahhiini has gone bad:
- Sour or sharp smell
- Mold or change in color
- Strong bitter taste
If you’re not sure, toss it out.
Quick Summary
What is it?
Tahhiini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. The seeds can be raw or roasted, giving different flavors and textures.
Key nutrients
It’s rich in healthy fats, plant-based protein, calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals.
Health benefits
It supports heart health, strong bones, liver function, and helps balance hormones—thanks to its antioxidants and healthy fats.
Top uses
Commonly used in hummus, sauces, dips, smoothies, dressings, and even desserts like cookies or brownies.
Storage tips
Always stir it before use. Homemade versions should be kept in the fridge to extend shelf life.
Allergy note
It is made from sesame seeds, which are a known allergen for some people. Use alternatives like sunflower seed butter if needed.
Can you make it at home?
Yes! Just blend toasted sesame seeds with a little oil until smooth. That’s all you need for fresh, homemade tahhiini.
FAQs
Can I eat tahhiini on keto?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fat.
Is tahhiini vegan?
Yes—100% plant-based.
Can I use it in baking?
Absolutely. It adds moisture and flavor to cookies, brownies, and cakes.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Not always, but it stays fresh longer if it is.
Is it the same as hummus?
No—hummus has chickpeas, lemon, and garlic. It is just sesame paste.
How do I thin thick tahhiini?
Add lemon juice, warm water, and a bit of olive oil. Mix well.
Final Thoughts
It is simple, ancient, and powerful. It’s full of flavor, good fats, and essential nutrients. And it fits into almost every diet—vegan, keto, gluten-free, or just clean eating.
Whether you drizzle it, dip it, or bake with it, tahhiini adds something special to your meals. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.