Kitchen Dictionary: sesame seed

Sesame seed is one of the first recorded seasonings. It grows widely in India and Asia. These tiny seeds come in shades of brown, red and black, but the most common color is a pale grayish-ivory. Sesame seeds have a nutty, sweet aroma with a milk-like, buttery taste.

plural: sesame seeds

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

How to store: Because sesame seeds have a high oil content, they turn rancid quickly. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place up to 3 months; refrigerate up to 6 months; or freeze up to 1 year.

Matches well with: breads, chicken, chickpeas, eggplant, fish, lamb, noodles, shellfish, tahini