Black sesame
For Chinese dietary therapy, Black sesame (黑芝麻) is a food of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor. Traditionally linked with Liver and Kidney as a dense oily seed.
Traditional energetics
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Affinity
- Liver · Kidney
- Direction of Qi
- Moistens and descends
- Season
- Autumn · Winter
- Group
- Seeds
How tradition reads it
Traditionally linked with Liver and Kidney as a dense oily seed.
Traditionally ground with walnut or honey as a nourishing paste for dryness; pairs well with most recipes in the collection.
In the kitchen
Gently toasted, paste, porridge, and dressings.
If black sesame is unavailable, regular toasted sesame is a close approximation.
Current nutrition note
Very rich in calcium, iron and lignans; better absorbed when ground.
Precautions
Allergen; energy-dense, so use culinary amounts.
Recipes with this food
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
