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White, Black, and Hulled Sesame Seeds — What's the Difference?

There are several varieties of sesame seeds, each with slightly different culinary applications. White sesame seeds are the most commonly used variety — they have a mild, nutty flavour and are used across a huge range of Indian, South Asian, and global recipes. They are the primary variety used for making til ladoo, til chikki, and tempering in South Indian and Gujarati cooking.

Black sesame seeds have a more intense, slightly bitter flavour and a striking visual appearance. They are used in specific South Asian recipes, Chinese cooking, and Japanese cuisine. In Ayurveda, black sesame seeds are considered particularly nutritious.

Hulled (white) sesame seeds have the outer shell removed, giving them a smoother texture and milder flavour — they are ideal for making tahini, coating foods before baking or frying, and in baking applications.

• White Sesame Seeds (Till) — The most versatile variety. Used in chikki, ladoo, chutneys, chutney powders, and tempering.
• Black Sesame Seeds — Intense, nutty flavour. Used in specific Indian sweets, Asian cooking, and Ayurvedic preparations.
• Hulled Sesame Seeds — Shell removed for a smoother texture. Ideal for tahini, baking, and food coating.
• Sesame Oil — Cold-pressed sesame oil is available separately — essential for South Indian and Asian cooking.

Sesame Seeds in South Asian Cooking and Festivals

Sesame seeds hold a special place in South Asian culture and cooking. During Makar Sankranti (the harvest festival celebrated in January across India), til ladoo and til chikki are traditional sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery — symbolising warmth, prosperity, and the new season.

In everyday South Indian cooking, sesame seeds are toasted and added to coconut chutneys, used in chutney powders (podi), and incorporated into rice dishes. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, sesame seeds are ground into a paste for til-based curries. In Gujarati cooking, sesame seeds appear frequently in snacks, chutneys, and festive preparations.

Beyond South Asian cuisine, sesame seeds are the base of tahini (a key ingredient in hummus and Middle Eastern cooking), are sprinkled on bagels and burger buns, and are a common garnish in Japanese and Korean cooking.

Stock up on fresh sesame seeds at Velspices — Australia's trusted South Asian grocery for all your pantry essentials.

Order white, black, or hulled sesame seeds online at Velspices — delivered fresh, anywhere in Australia. Free delivery on Melbourne metro orders over $50.