According to New York Magazine, the top tahini brands are:

• Soom Foods Pure Ground Sesame Tahini
• Har Bracha Tahini Paste
• Seed+Mill Organic Tahini
• Beirut Tahini Sesame Paste
• Alwadi Sesame Tahina
• Al Arz Tahini
• Tarazi Organic Tahini

Origin of tahini

The origin of this paste can be linked to ancient Persia. The ancient Persians were responsible for this food’s expansion, as they traveled to Israel with it. They referred to it as ‘holy food’ or ‘Ardeh’. Over time, its popularity spread to India, Asia, Africa, and later throughout the globe.

The ancient Greeks also valued this nutty paste for its medicinal properties and utilized it in the production of medicines, as well as consumed it as food. Hippocrates, one of the most influential philosophers, highly praised the nutritional wonders of this food. A relatively unknown 13th-century Arabic cookbook, called KitabWasf al-Atima al-Mutada, would also mention this food as a condiment in making its Hummus Kasa recipe. 

Function

This food can serve various functions, such as a topping on salads, meats, or burgers. It can also be used to prepare sauces or added into soups. Additionally, it can be spread on toasted bread or used for dipping raw vegetables.

Nutrition

It is relatively low in calories but still offers some nutritional value. One tablespoon (15g) of this cream offers the following nutrients:

This food also provides various vitamins and minerals, including:

• Copper
• Selenium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium

This nutty paste even provides some health benefits, such as:

• Improving heart health
• Lowering inflammation 
• Fighting against cancer

However, there are a few side effects to keep in mind. This food may cause allergic reactions to those with nut allergies. It may also cause chronic inflammation if consumed in excess.

Commercial production

In 2018, the worldwide market value of this food was $1.4 billion, and was estimated to grow at a rate of 5.2% in the following five years. Tanzania is the most significant commercial producer of sesame seeds in the world. The commercial production of this food is divided into eight stages:

Washing and drying of sesame seeds

The sesame seed machine uses low specific gravity to wash off sand particles. The seeds are then dried by dehydration.

Roasting of sesame seeds

The recommended temperature to roast sesame seeds is between 212°F and 302°F. This process takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Electric or gas heating may be employed. 

Sorting

Any impurities or spoiled sesame seeds are destroyed in this stage.

Grinding

The remaining sesame seeds are ground using a colloid mill.

Mixing

The butter left after grinding is made more uniform. 

Removal of gas

The gas produced during the grinding and mixing is removed from the sesame butter. 

Cooling

The sesame butter is cooled immediately but does not fall below 113°F.

Filling

The filling machine squeezes the butter into a bottle, which is then labeled and stored.

Application

An unopened jar should be stored in a cool, dry place away from high temperatures and humidity. If stored like this, it can last up to two months. However, unopened jars can last up to a year when kept in the refrigerator. Once opened, it is best to store this food in the fridge for no more than seven months.  

Tahini recipes

This food can bring a world of flavor to dishes. Here are some popular recipes:

• Tahini Cheesecake
• Lemon Roast Vegetables with Yogurt Tahini & Pomegranate
• Blackberry-Tahini Yogurt Cake
• Sweet Potato-Tahini Dip with Za’atar
• Chicken Fingers and Green Beans

FDA Regulation

The Food & Drug Administration oversees the import of this food. Furthermore, they recognize sesame as a safe spice, flavoring, and natural seasoning for its intended use. The FDA also regulates the labeling of sesame oil and gives a recommended reference amount consumed per eating occasion. They even classify sesame seed as a drug product containing an active ingredient offered over the counter for specific uses.

References

“Tahini: Everything You Need to Know.” Ultimate Paleo Guide, Elite Cafemedia Food, 27 May 2020, ultimatepaleoguide.com/tahini/. 

Link, Rachael. “What Is Tahini? Ingredients, Nutrition, Benefits, and Downsides.” Healthline.com, Healthline Media,  27 June 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-tahini.

Zalben, Lee. “8 Ways to Use Tahini.” SeriousEats.com, Serious Eats blog, 30 Oct. 2019, www.seriouseats.com/2012/06/8-ways-to-use-tahini.html

“CFR – Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21.” Accessdata.fda.gov, U.S Food & Drug Administration, 1 Apr. 2019, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=101.12&SearchTerm=sesame%20seeds.