Product description
BLACK VS WHITE SESAME — WHAT THE HUSK ACTUALLY CHANGES
Both are Sesamum indicum. The difference lies in the outer layer: white sesame seeds are hulled (the outer husk is removed), while black sesame seeds retain their natural husk throughout.
Why the Husk Matters
The husk contains:
- Sesamin and sesamolin: two lignans found at highest concentrations in the sesame husk. Studied for antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective (liver-protective) effects.
- Calcium: 975mg/100g in whole black sesame vs approximately 131mg/100g in hulled white sesame.
- Iron: 14.6mg/100g vs approximately 10mg in white sesame.
- Magnesium: 351mg/100g.
- Higher antioxidant activity from anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in the husk.
HOW TO USE
Lightly toast black sesame seeds for 30–45 seconds in a dry pan over medium heat to enhance their natural aroma and nutty flavour.
- Sesamin & Sesamolin: Sesame lignans found in higher concentrations in the husk. These compounds have been studied for antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective (liver-supporting) effects.
- Calcium: Whole black sesame contains approximately 975mg/100g compared to approximately 131mg/100g in hulled white sesame.
- Iron: Black sesame provides approximately 14.6mg/100g compared to around 10mg/100g in white sesame.
- Magnesium: Naturally provides approximately 351mg/100g.
- Antioxidants: The retained husk contributes anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, increasing antioxidant activity.
- Salad Finishing: Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted black sesame over green salads, grain bowls, or cucumber salads for visual contrast and a nutty finish.
- Asian Noodle Dishes: Add 1 tbsp to cold soba noodles with sesame-soy-ginger dressing, ramen, pho, or udon dishes.
- Bread & Focaccia: Press seeds into the surface before baking to create a beautiful black-on-gold finish.
- Yoghurt & Smoothie Bowls: Sprinkle over Greek yoghurt with honey and banana, or blend with banana and almond milk for a creamy black sesame smoothie.
- Black Sesame Paste (Black Tahini): Blend toasted seeds for 5–8 minutes until smooth. Use as a spread, sauce base, or dressing.
- Desserts: Ideal for black sesame ice cream, panna cotta, cheesecake crusts, and shortbread.
- Crusted Proteins: Press into fish fillets (tuna, salmon), chicken tenders, or tofu before pan-searing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Scatter over root vegetables during the final 5 minutes of roasting for added crunch and flavour.
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (9g)
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Per 100g | % DV* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 52 kcal / 218 kJ | 573 kcal | 3% |
| Total Fat | 4.5g | 49.7g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g | 7.0g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat (Omega-9) | 1.7g | 18.8g | — |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0g | 21.8g | — |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g | — |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.1g | 23.5g | 1% |
| Dietary Fibre | 1.1g | 11.8g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 0.3g | 3.4g | — |
| Protein | 1.6g | 17.7g | 3% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 11mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 87.8mg | 975mg | 75% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 14.6mg | 7% |
| Magnesium | 31.6mg | 351mg | 8% |
| Phosphorus | 57mg | 629mg | 5% |
| Zinc | 0.7mg | 7.8mg | 7% |
| Manganese | 0.36mg | 4.0mg | 17% |
| Thiamine (Vitamin B1) | 0.07mg | 0.79mg | 6% |
| Sesamin (Lignan — Husk) | Present | Present | — |
| Sesamolin (Lignan — Husk) | Present | Present | — |
| Calcium vs Hulled White Sesame | Black sesame: 87.8mg per serving vs approximately 11.8mg in hulled white sesame (around 7.4× higher). | ||
*% Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. Refrigerate after opening, especially in warm climates.
Country of Origin: India
Reviews
Login
Don't have an account?
Sign UpOrganic black sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and antioxidants, supporting bone strength, healthy hemoglobin levels, and skin nourishment. They're also valued in Ayurveda for boosting immunity and aiding digestion when added to daily meals, chutneys, or homemade laddoos.
Look for a brand offering 100% certified organic sesame seeds, sourced directly from organic farmer groups and grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs. Rootz Organics sources its black sesame seeds this way, ensuring purity, traceability, and consistent quality in every batch.
Yes, 1-2 teaspoons of black sesame seeds daily is generally safe and beneficial for most people, providing steady mineral and antioxidant intake. As with any seed, moderation is key, and those with allergies or specific health conditions should consult a doctor first.
Black sesame seeds retain their outer husk, giving them a stronger, nuttier flavour and higher antioxidant content than white sesame seeds, which are hulled. Both are nutritious, but black sesame is often preferred in Ayurvedic and traditional wellness preparations for its concentrated mineral profile.
The significant calcium difference comes from the husk. Black sesame seeds are sold with their outer husk intact, which contains the majority of the calcium — approximately 975mg per 100g. White sesame seeds are hulled (husk removed), leaving approximately 131mg per 100g — less than 14% of the black sesame value. 100g of black sesame provides more calcium than 100g of most dairy products.
Sesamin and sesamolin are two lignans found almost exclusively in sesame seeds, with the highest concentrations in the husk and bran fraction. They are notably absent or minimal in hulled white sesame. Published research has examined sesamin for antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective effects, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and effects on cholesterol metabolism. These are not approved health claims — they are what the research has examined.
Toast lightly first — 30–45 seconds in a dry pan over medium heat. Scatter over grain bowls, salads, noodle dishes, avocado toast, yoghurt bowls. Press into bread or focaccia before baking. Blend into black tahini paste. Crust fish or tofu before pan-searing. For desserts: stir paste into ice cream or panna cotta. 1 tablespoon per serving is the typical culinary amount.
