Tahina

Tahina or Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. Tahina is a major component in many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.

Origin and History

Tahina is believed to have originated in the ancient Persian Empire, where it was called ardeh. The use of sesame seeds can be traced back to 3500 BC, where they were used as a food source and a symbol of immortality. The word tahina comes from the Arabic word طحينة, which means "to grind", reflecting the method of its preparation.

Preparation

Tahina is made by soaking sesame seeds in water and then crushing them to separate the bran from the kernels. The crushed seeds are soaked in salt water, causing the bran to sink. The floating kernels are skimmed off the surface, toasted, and ground to produce an oily paste.

Culinary Uses

Tahina is used in a variety of dishes. It is a key ingredient in hummus, where it is mixed with cooked, mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. In baba ghanoush, it is blended with cooked, mashed eggplant, olive oil, and various seasonings. Tahina is also used in the sweet dessert halva, where it is combined with sugar or honey, and often additional ingredients such as nuts or chocolate.

Nutritional Value

Tahina is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in B vitamins and vitamin E, and is a good source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

See Also

• Sesame seed
• Hummus
• Baba ghanoush
• Halva