Discover HSN's Black Sesame Seeds

Unpeeled Black Sesame Seeds from FoodSeries are a 100% natural food.

Black sesame is an ancient variety of Sesamum indicum known for its distinctive dark colour, stronger flavour, and superior nutritional profile compared to other types of sesame. This whole seed version contains a higher density of essential nutrients such as calcium, and also adds a crunchy texture and a unique toasted touch to both sweet and savoury dishes. It’s a staple in Asian cuisine but is increasingly featured in culinary creations around the world.

We bring you the finest, most premium black sesame seeds.

Black Sesame: Ancient Variety, Bold Flavour, Unpeeled

What makes black sesame different from white sesame?

The differences between black and white sesame lie in their colour, flavour, nutritional composition, and processing:

1.  While white sesame is hulled (its outer layer is removed), black sesame is typically kept with its hull intact, giving it a higher content of fibre, calcium, and distinctive compounds that make it such a valued seed option.
2.  Black sesame has a more intense flavour, with deep, toasted notes, unlike the milder, more neutral taste of white sesame.
3.  In terms of culinary use, black sesame is common in Eastern dishes and gourmet recipes where visual contrast and a distinct taste are desired, while white sesame is more widely used in bread and pastries around the world due to its subtle flavour.

Why is keeping the hull beneficial?

Keeping the hull on black sesame seeds adds value in terms of nutritional density and functional benefits of the food. The hull contains a significant amount of dietary fibre, as well as minerals like calcium, which are found in greater quantities in the whole, unrefined seed. This natural coating also protects the inner nutrients from oxidation, helping to maintain their stability while stored at home.

A Tiny Powerhouse with an Impressive Nutritional Profile

Unpeeled black sesame stands out as a highly nutritious food, rich in healthy fats (48g per 100g), mainly unsaturated, to support a balanced diet. Its protein content, while primarily used to complement other plant sources, is also notable, offering 18g of vegan protein per 100g. Black sesame seeds are an excellent source for anyone looking for plant-based options to maintain or build muscle mass, particularly in vegan or vegetarian diets. They also provide 17g of fibre, helping to maintain healthy intake of this nutrient at a time when refined grains dominate the average diet, reducing overall fibre consumption.

One of the key nutrients in black sesame seeds is calcium, with an impressive 975mg per 100g, covering 122% of the reference intake. This mineral supports the maintenance of normal bones, and its presence in a plant source like black sesame is especially valuable in vegan diets, where natural calcium sources are more limited.

Thanks to their small size, black sesame seeds can be easily added to a wide range of meals like salads, bread, bowls or smoothies, making it simple to include them in your daily diet and boost your intake of key nutrients.

How to Use Black Sesame in Your Daily Routine

Black sesame is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient in everyday cooking, adding crunch, a lightly toasted flavour, and visual appeal to all kinds of dishes. Sprinkle it over salads, veggie soups, chicken rice, stir-fries or avocado toast; and of course, you can add it to protein shakes and porridges for an extra boost. It works great as a topping for homemade bread, pancakes, or mugcakes. For sweet recipes, it pairs really well with chocolate or date cream.

Who Are They Especially Recommended For?

They’re widely used by people following plant-based diets, such as vegans, as they offer key nutrients like plant protein and calcium, which are harder to find in non-animal sources.

They’re also a great food choice for those looking for whole, fibre-rich, additive-free foods as part of a natural and balanced diet.