Tahini 101: How do you store tahini? (2024)

FAQs

Tahini 101: How do you store tahini? ›

Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.

As with peanut butter, the best place to store tahini is somewhere dark and cool. For some people, that may be in the refrigerator.

Store-bought tahini can either live in a cool dark place or in the fridge (we prefer the pantry, as the fridge can change the consistency of your tahini, making it less silky smooth). If you've mixed your tahini with other ingredients to make a sauce, always keep it in the fridge and use it within 5 days.

The tahini is done when it's smooth, with a runny or drippy texture. There will still be a slight graininess when you taste it, but ultimately it will be pretty creamy looking. Transfer the tahini to a clean 16 ounce jar, and seal it with an airtight lid. Tahini can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months.

If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey. And if the flavor is too sharp, mellow it with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon olive oil.

Once Again Organic Tahini with Lemon

Sesame seeds are sourced from Mexico, Peru, Africa and Nicaragua. While refrigeration of this product isn't necessary, if stirring is something you wish to minimize, stir and then refrigerate. This product has a 12 month shelf life from the date of production.

How do you know if tahini has gone bad? Signs of spoilage for tahini include a bitter, rancid smell, mold growth, or separation. Separation is not always the case as tahini sitting on the shelf for a prolonged period unused can also cause separation. It will also have a bitter taste.

Because tahini has a high fat content, it has a high number of calories, and moderation is advised for the best health benefits. A large proportion of people with tree nut allergies are also likely to be allergic to sesame seeds.

In most grocery stores, tahini is either in the aisle with other condiments like peanut butter or in the aisle with international foods. You can also find it at a specialty or Middle Eastern grocery. It is sold shelf-stable in glass or plastic jars and is not refrigerated.

Homemade tahini can be refrigerated in an airtight jar or container for up to 1 month. (Before each use, be sure to give the jar a good stir to recombine any separated oil.) Or you can also freeze tahini for 3-4 months, which is a great way to extend its shelf life.

Is it cheaper to make your own tahini? ›

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds.

Store-bought jars of tahini can be expensive. Homemade tahini is not only cheaper, but it also tastes amazing. Use tahini to make hummus, salad dressings, sauces, and more!

Tahini seizes when mixed with liquids such as must-have fresh lemon juice. In cooking, seizing means the smooth liquid (tahini, or melted chocolate) gets stiff and clumpy.

As the amount of water is increased, more clumps develop, causing the tahini to thicken overall. If you keep adding water, eventually you'll cross over the threshold of thickening it; enough water in the system will cause the tahini to loosen and thin out. This is similar to what happens when chocolate seizes.

How do you know if tahini has gone bad? Signs of spoilage for tahini include a bitter, rancid smell, mold growth, or separation. Separation is not always the case as tahini sitting on the shelf for a prolonged period unused can also cause separation. It will also have a bitter taste.

Because tahini contains no extra ingredients or emulsifiers, it can—and usually will—separate into oil (on the top) and solids (at the bottom), just like an all-natural peanut butter. A quick stir or shake should be enough to return it to a cohesive pourable or spoonable state.

I have a jar of Tahini Neri's Sesame Paste there is a thick layer of oil sitting on the top, what do I do? An easy blending option is to roll the jar on its side up and down your table bench. The oils will blend with the tahini paste and it will be perfect for use again!

When that happens, just spend some time and elbow grease to mix it back together again. if the tahini was stored in the fridge, it might take longer because everything will be harder. Just leave it on the counter for a while until it gets to room temperature before mixing it back together.