Madagascar sesame seeds
Short answer: Madagascar sesame seeds are harvested when ripe, then sorted and cleaned before packing. More fragrant and more golden than industrial sesame, they reveal their hazelnut flavour the moment you toast them in a dry pan.
Madagascar sesame seeds bring crunch, perfume and real nutritional value to a great many dishes. This is the spice of the light toast, of the final scattering and of the more interesting coating.
Where Madagascar sesame comes from
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) grows in the dry zones of western and southern Madagascar. The plant produces capsules that split open when ripe; the seeds are then harvested, winnowed and sorted by hand so that only the finest are kept.
Aroma profile: hazelnut, mild, lightly sweet
Raw, the seeds taste discreet. Toasted in a pan with no fat, 2 to 3 minutes while stirring, they release an intense hazelnut perfume. It is that toasting which transforms their flavour completely.
How to use sesame in the kitchen
Sesame works as a finishing touch for its crunch, or at the heart of a recipe for its deeper aromas.
- Scattered over fish, roasted vegetables or a salad.
- In a coating for chicken or tofu, in place of breadcrumbs.
- As homemade tahini, blended with a little oil.
- In shortbread, cookies or a savoury crumble.
Benefits and properties
Sesame is rich in unsaturated fats, plant calcium and magnesium. One tablespoon covers a notable share of the daily need for trace elements.
How to store sesame
Keep the seeds in an airtight jar, away from heat. Raw, sesame keeps for 6 to 12 months. Once toasted, use it within the week to enjoy the perfume at its best.
Frequently asked questions
Golden or black sesame? Golden sesame is milder and more versatile. Black is more mineral and more decorative. Our Madagascar sesame is golden.
Does it always need toasting? Not always, but toasting multiplies the aroma. For raw use, the freshness of the seeds makes all the difference.
How do I stop it turning rancid? Keep it dry and cool, and do not buy more than you will use.
Buying Madagascar sesame
For everyday cooking, take the 50 g pouch.
See also: our Madagascar sesame and the Madagascar spices page.
