Tahini, a creamy, nutty-flavored paste, is the secret ingredient behind beloved dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush. This staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, also known as tahini paste or sesame tahini, is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide. If you’re new to tahini and wondering where to find it in your local grocery store, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning to whip up a falafel salad or a flavorful chicken dinner with tahini sauce, here’s your guide to easily locate this versatile ingredient.
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Understanding Tahini: More Than Just a Paste
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, resulting in a thick, smooth paste. Typically crafted from hulled sesame seeds, tahini’s flavor profile can vary slightly depending on whether the seeds are raw or lightly roasted before grinding. This simple yet essential ingredient forms the base for tahini sauce and is famously used in hummus, a dip enjoyed in countless variations.
It’s important to distinguish tahini from Chinese sesame paste (zhi ma jiang). While both are made from sesame seeds, Chinese sesame paste utilizes roasted seeds, giving it a darker color and a more intense, nuttier, and stronger flavor. Recipes specifying “sesame seed paste” usually refer to the Chinese variety. When a recipe calls for tahini, it’s specifically asking for the Middle Eastern or Mediterranean version.
Navigating the Grocery Store: Where to Look for Tahini
As tahini gains recognition for its culinary versatility and health benefits, it’s now stocked in most supermarkets. However, there’s no universal rule for its placement, meaning tahini can be found in several different sections depending on the store’s layout.
One of the most likely places to find tahini is in the nut butter and spreads aisle. Often grouped with peanut butter, almond butter, and other seed butters, tahini might be placed on shelves that are not directly at eye level, so be sure to check the top and bottom shelves.
Another prime location to explore is the international foods section. Given tahini’s strong roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, it’s highly probable you’ll discover it alongside other related ingredients such as olives, artichoke hearts, and imported spices.
Don’t overlook the condiments and sauces aisle either. Tahini is sometimes categorized with other sauces and dressings, making this section another potential spot to investigate.
It’s crucial to remember that tahini is not refrigerated like pre-made hummus. You should always find jars or containers of tahini stored on regular grocery shelves, not in the refrigerated sections.
If you are shopping at a smaller grocery store and can’t locate tahini, consider checking online retailers. Many online stores offer a wide selection of tahini brands and deliver directly to your door.
Why Make Tahini a Pantry Staple?
With its increasing availability and diverse applications, adding tahini to your pantry is a worthwhile choice. Beyond its role in savory dishes, tahini can also add a unique depth of flavor to desserts. Consider trying Tahini Blossoms for a sweet treat or Tahini-Ginger Noodles for a quick and flavorful meal. Exploring recipes that feature tahini will reveal even more reasons to keep this ingredient readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tahini
Does tahini need to be refrigerated after opening?
While refrigeration isn’t strictly necessary, it is recommended to extend tahini’s shelf life. Storing tahini in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture allows it to last for about 4 to 12 months. Refrigeration can extend this to 6 to 24 months and helps prevent it from turning rancid. Like natural peanut butter, refrigerated tahini may harden, so allow it to reach room temperature and stir well before using.
What’s a good substitute for tahini?
In a pinch, other nut or seed butters such as sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, or almond butter can serve as substitutes in some recipes. However, be mindful that these alternatives may have higher sugar content and different flavor profiles than tahini. For savory dishes like dressings or dips, sesame oil can offer a similar flavor note, while Greek yogurt can provide creaminess, though with less fat and fewer calories.
By knowing where to look and understanding its versatility, you’re now well-equipped to find and enjoy tahini, adding a touch of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor to your culinary creations.
