Guide to tahini

How to store tahini

Tahini should always be stored in the fridge. It’s high in polyunsaturated fats, which are sensitive to heat and light. Keeping it cool ensures your tahini will last longer.
 

How to use tahini

• Tahini is great in salad dressings, giving them a creamy texture without all the saturated fat of mayonnaise. Whisk together 2 tbsp each of tahini and wine vinegar. Then add 2 tsp each of mustard and soy sauce. Gradually whisk in enough water to make the dressing pourable. This tahini dressing is perfect tossed through a potato or pasta salad. 

• Tahini can also be used on toast and sandwiches instead of butter or margarine, and is particularly tasty topped with honey.

• You can replace some of the butter in mashed potatoes with tahini, which reduces the overall saturated fat content.

• Next time you roast some vegetables, toss them in some ground cumin, coriander and oregano beforehand. Serve with a tahini and yoghurt drizzling sauce made by whisking together ¼ cup tahini, ¼ cup natural yoghurt, 1 clove garlic (crushed) and 1 tsp smoked paprika. This is also delicious with some caramelised onions stirred through.

Note: Tahini is a useful source of calcium for those who don’t eat dairy. Add just 2 tablespoons to your daily diet and you’ll be getting 15% of your daily needs.