Sesame Street

A few years ago, a woman approached me and shared that her iron levels were relatively low. I offered her several suggestions to help improve them, with the main recommendation being the consumption of sesame. She followed my advice, and over time her iron levels indeed increased. Today, I would like to introduce one of the high-quality and relatively inexpensive foods available on the market: sesame.

Many of us are familiar with sesame through the various products made from it, such as tahini, halva, candies, and toppings on buns. However, most of these products are made from hulled sesame. It is important to know that the recommended form is whole sesame, which is light brown in color. Whole sesame contains a high percentage of protein, a significant concentration of iron, and various other minerals, with calcium being the most prominent. It also contains substantial amounts of vitamins, including vitamins A and E.

Recommended combinations for sesame include raw vegetables and dried fruits, such as dried dates. Here are a few ideas for using sesame: a dish prepared with three to four tablespoons of ground sesame, combined with a raw vegetable salad and a small amount of tahini to moisten the salad, creates a very filling and nutritious meal and often removes the need to eat anything afterward.

Another use for ground sesame is a halva-flavored treat. Place a few tablespoons of raw tahini in a cup, add honey, sweet molasses, or silan, and dilute with a small amount of water. For additional flavor, a bit of carob powder may be added. Mix everything together and enjoy. This treat makes an excellent afternoon snack for children and serves as a healthy alternative to the highly processed candies commonly found on supermarket shelves. In the summer, this mixture can be frozen and eaten as a popsicle—both tasty and healthy.

Another option is “sesame milk,” which is one of the tastiest, most nutritious, and highly recommended foods. Soak several dried dates in water overnight. In the morning, transfer the dates together with the soaking water to a blender. Add three to four tablespoons of sesame, adjusting the amount of water or dates according to your desired sweetness and thickness. Blend well, serve, and enjoy.

Eliyahu Schechter is an iridologist and natural healer.