DESCRIPTION

Tahini is a paste formed by finely grinding sesame seeds to release their oil content. It is usually a very pale brown to cream colour with a consistency similar to peanut butter, and consists of 45% protein and minerals and over 50% fat. Despite this high fat content, however, nearly 90% is unsaturated, far less damaging than saturated fat.
When processing vegetable oils heat, light and oxygen often cause the finished product to be oxidised (or rancid). Sesame oil, however, contains a special substance called sesamol which is a natural preservative so Tahini will last longer than other cold pressed oils (i.e. oils extracted without heat).

SUGGESTIONS

Tahini is easy to include in the daily diet and is a common ingredient in vegetarian cooking. Tahini is best known as a major ingredient of hommus, a savoury Middle Eastern dip.

HOMMUS
1 cup very well cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup Tahini
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
Salt
- Crush the garlic into a teaspoon of salt.
- Put the garlic, salt, chickpeas and Tahini in a processor and blend together.
- Gradually add the lemon juice alternately with the olive oil and blend till smooth.
- Taste to see if more salt is needed.
- Serve with chopped parsley and olive oil or sprinkled with paprika, with plenty of wholemeal pita bread and juicy olives.
Tahini can also be spread on bread (as a butter substitute), added to bread, biscuits and smoothies.

PROPERTIES

Tahini is an important source of vitamin E (about 40 mg per 100 g), well known for its protective effect on the heart and blood vessels, its antioxidant and anti-ageing effects. Tahini is an excellent source of protein and should be considered as an essential part of a vegetarian diet. As a dense source of energy and nutrients, it may also be included in a weight gain programme. Sesame seeds are also a good source of the amino acid Methionine, which is essential for liver detoxification and enhances the absorption of other amino acids.
Tahini contains high levels of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium (all necessary for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and muscles) and provides good quantities of B group vitamins, especially vitamin B3 .
As the sesame seeds are already ground to a paste, Tahini is easily digested and within half an hour of eating will provide the body with a well-balanced supply of energy, vitamins and minerals.

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