Najirpur Farm I · Najirpur
Sesame Seed
$1.71 · 1 KG
True Grit
True Grit Farms Desk · 2 min read
Roasted vs Raw Sesame Seeds
Roasting changes sesame more dramatically than it changes most seeds, which is why most Indian recipes call for it.
Roasting changes sesame seed more dramatically than it changes many other seeds, developing a deep, nutty flavour that raw sesame simply does not have. This is part of why so many Indian recipes call for the roasted form specifically.
What actually differs
- Roasted sesame develops a strong, nutty, slightly toasty flavour that raw sesame does not carry.
- Raw sesame has a much milder, almost neutral taste, useful in preparations where you do not want sesame's flavour to dominate.
- Most Indian sweets, chutneys and tempering recipes specifically call for roasted sesame, not raw.
- Roasting also makes the seed slightly easier to grind evenly for chutneys and laddu mixtures.
- Raw sesame is more commonly used for pressing into a lighter, milder oil, where the flavour is meant to be subtler.
Our standards
Roasted vs raw sesame questions
- Why do most recipes specify roasted sesame?
- Roasting develops a much stronger, nuttier flavour than raw sesame carries, which most Indian recipes are built around.
- Can I roast raw sesame seeds myself?
- Yes, a dry pan on medium heat, stirred constantly, works well and takes only a few minutes.
- Does raw sesame have any culinary use?
- Yes, particularly in pressing a lighter, milder sesame oil, where a subtler flavour is often preferred.
- How do I know when sesame is properly roasted?
- It turns a light golden colour and releases a distinct nutty aroma, sometimes with a faint popping sound.
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