Tahini vs Tahina: What Is The Difference?

on May 15, 2023

If you enjoy Middle Eastern or North African food, you may be familiar with the names tahini and tahina, which look similar but have very different meanings. Despite the fact that they are both derived from sesame seeds, they differ in terms of texture, flavour, and colour. The distinction between tahini and tahina, their nutritional value, and how to use them in cooking are all covered in this blog post.

The Middle Eastern and North African cuisines frequently use the sesame seed pastes tahini and tahina. A silky paste known as tahini is created from ground, hulled or unhulled sesame seeds. As opposed to tahina, which is a more coarse paste produced from ground sesame seeds that haven’t lost their shell. When opposed to the smooth and creamy texture of tahini, this gives tahina a grainier texture.

Their flavour is another difference. Tahina has a stronger, more nuanced nutty flavour than tahini, which has a more subtle nutty flavour. Tahini is a light beige colour, whereas tahina is a darker brown colour because of the outer shell of the sesame seeds. The two pastes also have different colours.

Both tahini and tahina have a high nutritional value of protein, fibre, and good fats. Minerals including calcium, iron, and magnesium are abundant in them as well. However, due to its higher level of sesame seed oil and fibre, tahina is typically thought to be slightly more nutrient-dense than tahini.

Tahina is utilised in North African cuisine, particularly in Moroccan and Tunisian foods, whereas tahini is frequently used in recipes like hummus and baba ghanoush. Tahina is frequently used as a spice or condiment.

Can tahini and tahina be used interchangeably in recipes?

Although tahini and tahina are comparable ingredients, they cannot be substituted for one another in recipes. Despite the fact that they are both made from sesame seeds, they differ in terms of their textures, flavours, and nutritional value, which can change the way a dish tastes and looks overall.

The flavour and texture of a dish can be drastically changed by switching from tahini to tahina or vice versa. A Moroccan cuisine could taste bland and lack the depth of flavour if tahini is substituted for tahina, for instance. In a similar vein, substituting tahina for tahini in a hummus recipe may yield a texture that is more gritty than smooth.

How do you store tahini and tahina?

To keep tahini and tahina fresh and of high quality, proper storage is crucial. The following are some suggestions for storing these sesame seed pastes:

After opening, tahini and tahina should be kept in refrigerator-safe, airtight containers. By doing this, you can extend the shelf life of the product and avoid rancidity in sesame seed oils.

Store tahini and tahina in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent exposure to light and heat. The oils in sesame seeds can oxidise when exposed to heat and light, losing flavour and nutritional value.
Stir before using: Tahini and tahina can separate after being stored in the refrigerated and become thick and difficult to stir. It’s crucial to properly stir the paste before using to produce a uniform and smooth consistency.
Before using, make sure there are no signs of deterioration, even though cooling might help tahini and tahina last longer on the market. The paste should be thrown away if it has an unpleasant flavour, aroma, or appearance.

You may prolong the freshness and flavour of your tahini and tahina as well as profit from their many culinary and nutritional advantages by according to these storage recommendations.

What are some health benefits of consuming tahini or tahina?

Both tahini and tahina are healthy foods with a variety of health advantages. The following are a few of the health advantages of tahini or tahina consumption:

Rich in beneficial fats: Tahini and tahina both contain a lot of beneficial fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

Protein-rich: Tahini and tahina both contain a lot of protein, which is necessary for repairing and maintaining muscles, tissues, and cells.
These sesame seed pastes are a wonderful source of nutritional fibre, which can aid digestion and ward off constipation.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Tahini and tahina include several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining bone health, controlling blood pressure, and supporting general health.

Sesame seeds, the primary component of tahini and tahina, include antioxidants such lignans and vitamin E that can guard cells against harm from free radicals.
Sesamol and sesamin, two substances with anti-inflammatory characteristics found in tahini and tahina, may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Tahini and tahina, while having a high calorie and fat content, may help people lose weight by making them feel more satisfied and causing them to consume less calories overall.