Why You REALLY Need More Tahini In Your Life

It’s no secret that I’m a tahini addict. I slather it on everything from smoothies and oatmeal bowls to roasted veggies and yogurt with fruit. When mixed with lemon juice, salt, and water it magically turns into an amazing, creamy sauce that’s good on all things roasted and raw.

I’m currently teaming up to do a GIVEAWAY with Seeds of Collaboration — my all-time favorite tahini supporting an amazing cause. To learn more about them, scroll down.

Go check out my latest Instagram post for details and how to enter to win the BEST tahini I’ve ever had!

What is tahini and how is it made?

Simply put, tahini is sesame seed butter. While this sounds simple, there is a huge difference between good and bad tahini. Really good authentic tahini should be slightly nutty, ultra creamy, and runny (drizzle-able). Bad tahini is bitter with a dry, pasty texture and is very hard to mix.

The difference shows based on what kind of sesame seeds are used and how they are processed. If the seeds are roasted and ground up at high temperatures, the result is bitter and acidic. You want tahini that is roasted at very low temperatures and stone-ground in small batches to preserve flavor and nutrition.

Seeds of Collaboration

This tahini is made from 100% Ethiopian sesame seeds (AKA sesame gold) and uses the traditional stone-ground method for the creamiest, drizzle-able, and most delicious tahini out there.

If that’s not enough reason to purchase, this company is a partnership between Israelis and Palestinians joined by a mutual love of tahini and a goal to seed a healthy change in kitchens and communities.

Every SoCo jar sold helps fund an Israeli- Palestinian student startup at Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow (MEET).

Buy a pack of two jars on Amazon!

5 Reasons Why you need more Tahini in your life

1. It boosts bone health and prevents iron deficiencySesame seeds are an excellent source of the minerals iron and calcium. Learn more about those two nutrients in my previous post.
2. It’s a great source of healthy fats I’m always thinking of ways to add healthy fats to my meals and tahini is one of my favs! Tahini is made of pure sesame seeds, so it’s naturally a great source of anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fats.
3. It might help balance your hormonesSesame seeds contain phytoestrogens, which are molecules that resemble estrogen in our bodies. While the topic is controversial, it is thought that this gives phytoestrogens the ability to either block estrogen receptors if estrogen is too high or mimic estrogen if it is low (1).
4. It’s a great nut-free alternative to nut butter peanut and tree nut allergies are real and of special concern in schools. Many of us are also just sensitive to nuts and find that eating them makes you bloated. Whether you’re allergic, sensitive, or not, skip the peanut butter and make a TAHINI and jelly sandwich OR, my favorite, a tahini banana honey sandwich.
5. It’s good for everything if the first 4 reasons aren’t good enough for you, this one should convince you. I always have a jar of tahini on hand because it adds so much depth and flavor to the foods that I eat every day: oatmeal, smoothies, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, yogurt, fruit…the list goes on!

My Favorite Ways to Eat Tahini

• Drizzled on roasted squash or beets
• Drizzled over grilled or roasted meats with a squeeze of lemon
• Mixed with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water for the perfect sauce
• Drizzled over a sliced apple and sprinkled with cinnamon and sea salt
• Tahini Miso Sauce
• Drizzled on top of oatmeal or smoothie bowls
• Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow Molasses Granola Bars
• Drizzled over a yogurt + fruit bowl
• Add it to energy balls
• This Honey Cardamom Tahini Granola
• Straight off the spoon