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Tahini

In season all year

Food Description:

Tahini is a thick, oily paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is used extensively in Middle Eastern cooking. To make tahini, sesame seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours. This process removes the husk. The husked seeds are then ground in a stone mill to produce the oily brown paste.

Tahini is available from the grocery section of your local greengrocer. It's delicious on its own with toast and diced tomatoes or combined with garlic, freshly chopped coriander and water. It's also a prized ingredient in many recipes.

With its high calcium content it makes a worthwhile addition to the diet of those who chose not to eat dairy foods.

General Information:

Category: Condiment
To Buy: Buy hulled and unhulled in jars from health food stores and supermarkets.
To Store: Once opened store tahini in the fridge and always eat within the date of expiry.
Tips and Tricks: Stir the contents of the jar before using as oil will collect at the surface.

Nutrition (1 Tablespoon):

Weight (grams): 20
Carbohydrates, g: 0.2
Fat (g): 12.1
Monosaturated Fat , g: 4.5
Folic Acid: Important during pregnancy as this vitamin is involved in the duplication of chromosomes, preventing birth defects. Lowers the risk of heart disease and is necessary for proper brain and gut function.
Phosphorus: Closely related to calcium, this mineral is an important component of bones and teeth and helps maintain the body's energy supply and pH levels.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. High
Energy (kJ): 544
Protein (g): 4.1
Saturated Fat, g : 1.5
Vitamin B1: Important for energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. Enhances mental capabilities and promotes a general sense of health and wellbeing.
Magnesium: Involved in energy production and proper functioning of muscles and nerves, magnesium also promotes the absorption of other minerals and promotes blood vessel dilation and lowers the risk of blood clots.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. High
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Delicious on toast with tomato. Use in dips, dressings and desserts.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.





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