Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) | (100g)

About

Black sesame seeds, known as Hei Zhi Ma, are a longstanding staple in both the Chinese kitchen and traditional practice. Offered here in a handy 100g size, this smaller pack suits anyone wanting to introduce the seeds into their cooking without committing to a bulk amount.

These tiny, glossy seeds have a rich, nutty character and a firm bite that survives toasting. Whether you are cooking Chinese dishes, making granola bars, or looking for a new topping for porridge, they are a practical pantry addition.

Potential Benefits

• Traditional Heritage: Black sesame has been used in Chinese cooking and herbal tradition for centuries, and appears in many classic sweet and savoury dishes.
• Plant Protein: Sesame seeds are a plant source of protein, and suit vegetarian and vegan cooking.
• Distinctive Texture: The seeds keep their crunch when toasted and scattered, and grind down smoothly into a paste.
• Aromatic: Light toasting brings out a deep, nutty aroma that carries through a finished dish.
• Versatile: They work across salads, breads, biscuits, yoghurt, congee, smoothies and dressings.

Recommended Dosage

We recommend about one tablespoon per serving, adjusted to suit the dish.

Some ways to use them:

• Lightly toast and scatter over a fresh salad for a crunchy twist.
• Blend into smoothies for extra depth.
• Bake into breads or biscuits.
• Mix into yoghurt or cereal as a topping.
• Grind into a homemade sesame paste for dressings and spreads.

Once opened, store in an airtight container away from heat and light. A cool, dry cupboard is ideal.

Allergen information: This product is sesame. Not suitable for anyone with a sesame allergy.

Other Sizes and Formats

If you get through sesame seeds quickly, or would rather have them in a form that dissolves, there are two other options:

• Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) | 500g the bulk pack, better value if you use them regularly
• Hei Zhi Ma Concentrated Granules | 100g bottle dissolves in hot water, no grinding or toasting needed

What to Use Them With

Black sesame belongs to a group of dark-coloured foods traditionally grouped together in Chinese cooking. These are the ones most often used alongside it:

• Black soybeans (Hei Dou) the closest companion in the same traditional grouping
• Red adzuki beans (Hong Dou) paired with black sesame in traditional sweet fillings and buns
• Coix seeds (Yi Yi Ren) for porridge and congee
• Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) scattered together over breakfast bowls

Why Choose Vita?

At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we are committed to offering only the highest quality herbs, carefully chosen for the kitchen and for traditional preparation.

We proudly offer a 100% sulphur-free range. Sulphur is widely used in the industry to improve appearance and extend shelf life, but it alters the natural composition of the herb and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

We source only DaoDi Culinary Chinese herbs from clean, sustainable environments. Trusted grower partnerships held since 2010 let us select material grown in its ideal region and harvested at the right time.

FAQ

Are these seeds raw or toasted?
They come raw, so you have full flexibility. Toast them lightly yourself to bring out a deeper aroma and taste, depending on how you plan to use them.

Can I use them in sweet as well as savoury dishes?
Yes. Use them in baked goods like biscuits or energy balls, or scatter them over salads, soups and rice bowls. They also grind into a paste for sweet sauces and spreads.

How should I store them after opening?
In an airtight container, away from heat and light. A cool, dry cupboard is ideal for keeping the flavour fresh.

Do they contain allergens?
Yes. This product is sesame, one of the declarable allergens, so it is not suitable for anyone with a sesame allergy.

Are they suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Yes, they are entirely plant-based and suitable for both.

What is the difference between the seeds and the granules?
The seeds are the whole ingredient, so you can toast, grind or scatter them as you like. The granules are a concentrated extract that dissolves in hot water, which suits drinks rather than cooking.