Old Tahini?? How to tell?
I have some tahini in the cabinet that I bought over 8 months ago. I would like to make some hummus...is it too old? Was I supposed to put it in the fridge? How can one tell if tahini is supposed to be retired to the trash? Inquiring minds would like to know!! Thanks.
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6 Comments:
the oil from the sesame seed rises to the top, much like fresh peanut butter.... smell that oil, if it smells funky toss it. i've had tahini for long periods of time in the closet. if it's cool and dark it should be okay. you can always taste it to see....
pooch at 9:40AM on 09/23/09
Smell it. You'll know if the oil has gone rancid or not. If it was not opened previously, it should probably be ok since it hasn't been in contact with oxygen.
misterhee at 9:41AM on 09/23/09
Tahini does not require refrigeration and can be stored in a cool, dry place for long long periods of time. Tahini doesn't contain emulsifiers, so the oil will separate from the solids. To remix it, just turn the jar or can upside down for 45 minutes.
P.S. Don't forget to add some roasted red peppers and a clove of garlic... I will be over at 6pm... as far as main courses, lamb, lobster or filet mignon are all fine!
Pavlov at 9:50AM on 09/23/09
Sorry Pavlov tonight is a dining hall night. Too much football, running club and field hockey on the docket. Hummus is just a snack for the BigMan before he goes off to coach. Try me tomorrow (and bet your bottom dollar that none of your main course choices will be on the menu tonight at the school dining hall!!)
PoorOldMama at 10:16AM on 09/23/09
Tahini will eventually go rancid just as natural peanut butter will, even though it doesn't require refrigeration either. If it hasn't been open 8 months it should be fine. If it has been opened for 8 months I'd be surprised if it's still great. You should be able to tell by smell/taste though.
lemonfair at 3:23PM on 09/23/09
Kind of a shameless plug, but if you old tahini has gone bad, I thought you might be interested in seeing how to make your own tahini paste at home--it's really easy, and unbelievably cheap in comparison to buying it in the store. If you do make it, be sure to let me know how it turns out! :)
http://beachcitycooking.blogspot.com/2009/08/thrifty-thursdays-tahini-paste.html
maxcriden at 4:47PM on 09/23/09