Sometimes, impromptu calculations in the grocery store about how many sesame seeds you’ll need turns out inaccurate.
You’ll only realize how much less or more they are while cooking. And by then, it’s seemingly easy to fix concerns of fewer sesame seeds. But what happens if they’re surplus? Do sesame seeds go bad?
Yes. Like most natural ingredients, sesame seeds will go bad over time. Luckily, it’s not utterly out of control.
You can quickly take preventive storage steps to ensure they easily fit your subsequent wholesome cuisine.
Continue reading to discover:
Read on!
How Long Do Sesame Seeds Last?
Store-bought sesame seeds have an expiration date printed on their label.
It is usually a few years from harvest. Since they spent months to possibly years in circulation after harvest, you may have only some months before the day.
Studies prove that they can last beyond then because the expiration date is more of a “best before” date. Their quality, although, isn’t optimum beyond the expiration day.
- Don’t Forget! You’ll have some years to your sesame seeds if you directly reaped them. They will last for up to five years in proper storage conditions.
How To Tell If Sesame Seeds Are Bad?
Sesame seeds last for long, so it can be tricky ascertaining whether they’re spoilt or not. But try these methods if you ever feel in doubt:
1. Off Odor
Good sesame seeds have a fragrant, nutty odor. When you perceive any odor otherwise, they’ve most likely gone bad.
2. Looks Off
It’s somewhat difficult to tell bad sesame seeds by a mere glance, but any color change should ring alarm bells.
Typically, hulled ones have an off-white color. And unhulled ones give a golden-brown hue. Different cultivars can also possess distinct colors.
They are also usually spotless, with smooth skin.
3. Mold-covered
Speaking of color, mold-covered sesame seeds is an ideal instance. If its storage container got too moist, mold would thrive on them.
The seeds would then range from green to white or black in color.
4. Tastes Bad
We guess you’ve been eating sesame seeds or used them to cook before. So, there’s one distinct nuttiness you should be anticipating during every bite.
If it tastes differently, please dispose of it asap.
5. Stored for Too Long
If your guts tell you that your sesameseeds have been in storage for too long, it’s time to let go.
Discard it and take a quick stroll to the supermarket. Ensure you buy the correct quantity this time.
How To Store Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds can last longer than most ingredients, only when rightly stored. Here are some methods you can try:
- In cool & dry places: If you have a pantry to keep your sesameseeds, protect them from water, humidity, and vermin. They will last for three to four months.
- Refrigeration: Arrange them within the refrigerator’s main body. Refrigerating will keep its best quality for six months or slightly more.
- Freezing: Keep the sesame seeds away from strongly-flavored food in the freezer. Your sesame seeds will still be of high quality in a year’s time.
Always ensure the sesameseeds are in airtight bags or containers. Don’t tamper with the seal of store-bought ones if you’re not ready to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sesame seeds?
They grow in the pods of sesame, a flowering plant. They are either hulled or unhulled. Unhulled seeds have an outer, edible husk absent in hulled ones. Their plant is considered the oldest oilseed crop ever known.
Its domestication dates back to about 3500-3050 BC.
Archaeology credits sub-Saharan Africans and Indians as its first cultivators.
Currently, sesame is omnipresent globally thanks to its relative ease of cultivation. Its distinct nutty flavor is an option for cakes, crackers, and bread.
Uses Of Sesame Seeds:
Foremost, they are ingredients for many foods.
In West Africa, they thicken soups and puddings. They also produce a coffee-like drink after roasting and infusion in water.
Sesame seeds are also significant for their high oil content.
People use the oil as a substituent for butter, eventually used to bake cakes.
- Health Fact: There are underlying health benefits that make sesameseeds even more worthwhile. They are excellent sources of fiber! Hence, they aid the wellness of the digestive system. Additionally, sesame seeds also support healthy bones, lower blood pressure, and boost blood cell production.
Are sesame seeds good for you?
Yes! They have multiple health benefits! (*)
They are rich in plant protein, B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
They also reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and support thyroid health.
You’re missing out on a lot if you don’t eat or cook with them.
Can sesame seeds be eaten raw?
Yes. You can eat them raw, but it isn’t a common practice. Most people treat them as ingredients.
But a priceless benefit of eating them raw is the ease for your body to absorb its bountiful nutrients.
Should sesame seeds be toasted?
Toasting or eating sesameseeds fresh depends on your preference. Some people prefer toasted sesameseeds because of their flavor. But raw ones are more nutritious, especially in vitamins and minerals.
So try both, and decide which yours would be.
Can sesame seeds be frozen?
Yes. Freezing sesameseeds is typical if you’re looking to store them for months to some years.
Just pour the seeds into an airtight bag or container and toss them into the freezer. No need for bagging if they’re already in a sealed can.
Take away
Do sesame seeds go bad? Like all organic foods and ingredients, sesame seeds will eventually go spoilt. Microbes are the primary instigator of their spoilage.
Freezing them will extend their shelf life by just over a year. On refrigeration, they can last for six more months. And in a cool, dry pantry, three to four months is the deadline.
If you ever discover an off taste, smell, or appearance on your sesame seeds, please toss them into the garbage can.
Up Next: The Ideal Shelf Life of Flour, Grains, and Wheat
