If you love adding sesame seeds to your recipes but are worried that you won't be able to use an entire bag before they expire, we have some good news. When stored correctly, sesame seeds will remain fresh for long periods, allowing you the time you need to use them up. Continue reading to learn more about how long sesame seeds last and how to store them properly, to ensure that you always have fresh seeds on hand.
Sesame Seeds
You'll notice that each bag has a best by date when purchasing sesame seeds. When reviewing the date, it's important to note that it's usually an indication of the quality of seeds rather than the safety of consuming them. In general, seeds are not prone to premature molding or spoilage and typically remain fresh for months before they go rancid. Learn more about how to tell if the seeds in your pantry are spoiled by reading the article: Do Sesame Seeds Go Bad?
Sesame Seed Shelf Life
The way you store sesame seeds has a direct correlation with their shelf-life. Another factor that affects the freshness of sesame seeds is the cooking method. Here's a quick overview of the shelf life of various forms of sesame seeds.
Raw Sesame Seeds
Unopened and opened raw sesame seeds should be stored in a dark, cool place or in the refrigerator.
Roasted Sesame Seeds
Seeds cooked or roasted have a reduced shelf-life and will remain fresh for three to six months in the pantry and about a year in the refrigerator.
Tahini
Tahini is a popular dip made by combining blended sesame seeds with water. However, blending the seeds causes them to spoil quicker, driving most tahini recipes to last no longer than four months. However, tahini may last for 6-8 months when stored in the refrigerator.
Average Shelf Life of Sesame Seeds
To store sesame seeds for extended periods, place them in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness. That being said, it's important to note that these periods are estimates, and the location and method in which sesame seeds are stored may cause them to go rancid sooner.
Can You Freeze Sesame Seeds?
Wondering if you can freeze sesame seeds? The answer is yes! Freezing sesame seeds is an excellent way to store them if you're not sure when you will use them next. Before freezing sesame seeds, you must ensure that all the moisture is removed from the container and that they are adequately sealed. If you choose to remove the sesame seeds from their original packaging, add a name and date label to the container before storing them. Once the seeds are sealed, labeled and placed in the freezer, they will remain fresh for over a year.
Purchasing Sesame Seeds
When buying sesame seeds, make sure the seeds that you are purchasing are of good quality. If you are buying sesame seeds in bulk and packing them yourself, you will want to smell them beforehand to ensure their freshness.Always check the best buy date when purchasing packaged sesame seeds and store them accordingly. You can keep unopened sesame seeds in the original packaging in the pantry. However, once opened, storing them in an airtight container is best.Sesame seeds are one of the most versatile ingredients around. From cooking to baking, there are several recipes that taste delicious when combined with sesame seeds. The next time you stock up on this super seed, review this article to ensure that you're storing it properly. Having fresh sesame seeds on hand is always a great idea. From the Bob's Red Mill Family to yours, we wish you a healthy and happy day!Do you have a secret sesame seeds recipe you'd like to share? We'd love to hear about the many ways that you include sesame seeds in your meals. Share your favorite recipes with us in the comments below.
