Sesame seeds are full of nutrients and add a significant amount of flavor to both Eastern and Western dishes. If you want to make sesame chicken or bake your own bagels, you may need one or the other. If you are unfamiliar with either type, you may be wondering whether they are interchangeable or just what their differences are. Is one better for some dishes than the other? Let’s compare the two.
Table of Contents
- What are the differences between black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds?
- Can you use one in place of the other?
- When should you use black sesame seeds? And when should you use white?
- Must-read related posts
What are the differences between black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds?
The most obvious difference between black and white sesame seeds is their color. The color difference results from the fact that black sesame seeds are unhulled, while white sesame seeds have had their hulls removed to reveal the white inner parts of the seeds.
Removing the hull results in a few differences that range from flavor to nutritional content. One example of a difference is that black sesame seeds are richer in calcium than their white counterparts. Black sesame seeds are also slightly bitter due to the hulls being present; white sesame seeds have a sweeter and nuttier flavor, which is the flavor of the kernels of the seeds. Another difference that will affect taste is the texture. Their hulls make black sesame seeds the crisper of the two sesame seed types.
The cuisines in which both types of sesame seeds are commonly used also differ. Black sesame seeds are typically used in Far Eastern dishes like tong sui from Canton in China and sushi from Japan. White sesame seeds are used in Western dishes like American hamburger buns and Middle Eastern dishes like hummus.
Can you use one in place of the other?
Despite the fact that black sesame seeds impart a slightly more intense flavor than the white variety, the main difference between the two will be visual. Black sesame seeds can be used as a substitute for white without much effect on the taste but will give a dramatically different appearance. The same is true when using white sesame seeds in place of black. For example, white sesame seeds are not as striking in a noodle dish as black ones.
–> Learn More: What’s A Good Sesame Seeds Substitute?
Note that the subtle flavor difference may be slightly more of an issue in desserts. The flavor of black sesame seeds is a little better suited for pairing with stronger savory spices than sweetness. It may be able to stand out more. The mildness of white sesame seeds goes well with sweetness and delicate dessert flavors. That said, the differences are slight enough that either can still be used to provide almost identical flavors.
When should you use black sesame seeds? And when should you use white?
Use black sesame seeds for lighter-colored dishes and baked goods where you want the strong black-on-white or black-on-brown visual contrast. Use them in noodles and on certain pastries. Also, use them in savory dishes that have strong spices since the mild flavor of white sesame seeds may all but disappear in those applications. In addition, you can use black sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds in many bread recipes.
Use white sesame seeds in mildly flavored desserts and baked goods where the nuttiness is still detectable. They can also be used to create a white-on-dark contrast in some dishes.
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- Cooking With Za’atar Seasoning: Sesame seeds are a part of this blend. Learn the dos and don’ts of using this seasoning in the kitchen.