Sesame seeds are small, but they pack a mighty punch of flavor and nutrition. For years, our team at Sadbhaav Spices has worked directly with farmers in Gujarat — the sesame capital of India — to bring you the freshest, purest seeds. We export both hulled and unhulled varieties to over 80 countries, and we’ve learned one thing: there’s no single “best” sesame seed. It all depends on what you need — whether it’s smooth texture for baking, extra calcium for your bones, or long-lasting freshness in your pantry.
In this clear, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. No complicated charts. No confusing science. Just honest, practical advice from people who live and breathe sesame every day. By the end, you’ll know exactly which type to choose for your health, your recipes, and your lifestyle. Let’s get started.
The Story of Sesame: From Ancient Fields to Your Table
Sesame has been loved for over 4,000 years. It started in India and Africa, where farmers discovered that these tiny seeds could add flavor, oil, and medicine to daily life. In India, we call them til, and they’re a symbol of good luck — especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti, when families make sweet til laddoo to share warmth and joy.
Today, India grows more sesame than any other country. We produce over 300,000 tons every year, and Gujarat is the heart of it all. At Sadbhaav Spices, we partner with more than 5,000 farmers to bring you seeds that are clean, fresh, and full of natural goodness. But not all sesame seeds are the same. The big difference comes down to one thing: the hull.
The hull is the thin outer skin of the seed. When it stays on, the seed is unhulled — golden-brown, crunchy, and full of earthiness. When it’s gently removed, the seed becomes hulled — creamy white, smooth, and mild in taste. Both are healthy. Both are delicious. But they shine in different ways. Let’s explore each one.
Hulled Sesame Seeds: The Smooth, Everyday Favorite
Imagine a seed that melts into your food without stealing the show. That’s hulled sesame. We remove the hull using a careful soaking and rubbing process, leaving behind a soft, ivory-colored seed with a gentle nutty flavor. It’s the kind you see on hamburger buns, sushi rolls, or sprinkled over salads.
Because the hull is gone, hulled sesame is easier to chew and digest. It blends smoothly into doughs, sauces, and smoothies without adding grit or bitterness. Chefs love it for tahini — the creamy paste that makes hummus so silky. Parents love it for kids’ snacks because it’s soft and mild. And bakers love it because it looks clean and uniform on top of bread or cookies.
Nutritionally, hulled sesame still delivers. One tablespoon gives you about 52 calories, 4.5 grams of healthy fat, and 1.6 grams of protein. It’s rich in vitamin E for glowing skin and sesamin, a compound that supports liver health. The best part? Without the hull’s natural compounds like phytic acid, your body absorbs zinc and B vitamins more easily.
At Sadbhaav Spices, hulled sesame makes up 60% of our exports to the USA and Europe. It’s perfect for modern kitchens where convenience and consistency matter. Just remember — because the protective hull is gone, store hulled seeds in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 6 to 12 months.
Unhulled Sesame Seeds: The Crunchy, Nutrient-Dense Superstar
Now picture a seed that fights for attention — with a bold crunch and a deep, earthy taste. That’s unhulled sesame. We leave the natural hull on, so the seed stays tan or golden-brown. It’s the kind used in traditional Indian sweets, roasted snacks, and wellness teas.
The hull is where the magic happens. It’s packed with calcium, iron, and fiber — nutrients that get stripped away when the hull is removed. Just one tablespoon of unhulled sesame gives you 88 milligrams of calcium — that’s eight times more than hulled! It also has 1.3 milligrams of iron and nearly 2 grams of fiber. That means stronger bones, better blood health, and a happier gut.
In Ayurveda, unhulled sesame is prized for its warming energy. People drink sesame tea to ease bloating or massage with sesame oil for joint pain. The antioxidants in the hull — called lignans — help lower inflammation and protect your heart. And because the hull acts like a shield, unhulled seeds last longer. You can keep them in a cool, dry pantry for one to two years without worry.
We export unhulled sesame to the Middle East and Asia, where people value tradition and nutrition. It’s perfect for anyone who wants maximum health benefits — especially vegans, athletes, or anyone building strong bones. Just chew well or toast lightly to soften the texture and reduce any bitterness.
Nutrition Face-Off: What the Numbers Really Mean
Let’s keep this simple. Both types of sesame seeds are healthy, but they win in different areas.
Unhulled sesame is the champion of minerals. That tough little hull holds most of the calcium and iron. If you’re vegan, pregnant, or just want stronger bones, unhulled is your friend. The extra fiber also keeps you full longer and supports healthy digestion. Studies show that people who eat unhulled sesame regularly have better gut health and lower cholesterol.
Hulled sesame fights back with better absorption. Without the hull’s phytic acid, your body soaks up zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins more easily. This makes hulled seeds great for energy, immunity, and glowing skin. They’re also gentler on sensitive stomachs — less likely to cause gas or bloating.
Both give you the same healthy fats and protein. The calorie count is nearly identical. So if you want raw power, go unhulled. If you want efficient delivery, choose hulled. Or better yet — eat both. Sprinkle unhulled on yogurt in the morning and use hulled in your dinner stir-fry. Your body gets the full sesame experience.
Health Benefits: Who Needs What?
Sesame seeds aren’t just food — they’re medicine in a tiny package. But hulled and unhulled help your body in different ways.
Unhulled sesame is a bone-building hero. With 88 milligrams of calcium per spoonful, it’s one of the best plant-based sources out there. It’s also rich in iron, which carries oxygen in your blood and fights fatigue. The fiber feeds good gut bacteria, helping with constipation and weight control. And the lignans? They calm inflammation, protect your heart, and may even lower cancer risk over time.
Hulled sesame focuses on what your body can actually use. Its fats lower bad cholesterol. Its vitamin E keeps skin soft and hair shiny. And because it’s easier to digest, it’s ideal for kids, seniors, or anyone with IBS. The sesamin in hulled seeds supports your liver — the organ that detoxes your body every day.
Neither is perfect for everyone. If you have kidney stones, go easy on unhulled — the hull has oxalates. If you want quick energy without fiber overload, hulled is safer. The good news? You don’t have to choose forever. Rotate them based on your needs.
In the Kitchen: Where Each Seed Shines
Cooking with sesame is pure joy — but each type has its own personality.
Hulled sesame is the quiet team player. It slips into recipes without changing the flavor too much. Blend it into smoothies for a protein boost. Stir it into oatmeal for subtle nuttiness. Or press it onto salmon before baking — it turns golden and crisp in the oven. Because it’s mild, it’s perfect for picky eaters or delicate desserts like sesame shortbread.
Unhulled sesame is the bold solo artist. Roast it in a dry pan for two minutes, and the aroma fills your kitchen. Toss it into stir-fries for crunch. Grind it with jaggery for energy balls. Or brew it with fennel and ginger for a soothing tea after dinner. Its earthy bite stands up to strong flavors like garlic, chili, and soy sauce.
Want a quick win? Try this: mix hulled sesame into your morning yogurt for smoothness. Save unhulled for your evening salad — the crunch keeps you satisfied longer. Both belong in your spice rack.
Storage Made Simple: Keep Them Fresh Longer
Sesame seeds are 50% oil — that’s why they can go rancid if you’re not careful. But with a few easy habits, you can enjoy them for months.
Hulled seeds need extra love. Without the hull, they’re exposed to air and moisture. Store them in an airtight jar in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 6 to 12 months. If you buy in bulk, freeze them — they’ll last up to two years. Always smell before using. If they smell sour or bitter, toss them.
Unhulled seeds are low-maintenance. The hull protects the oil inside, so they stay good in a cool, dark pantry for one to two years. Refrigeration extends that to three years. They’re perfect for emergency snacks or long-term meal prep.
One golden rule for both: use glass or metal containers. Plastic can let in air and speed up spoilage. And buy only what you’ll use in a few months — freshness is flavor.
Sustainability: The Earth-Friendly Choice
We care about the planet as much as we care about your plate. That’s why we look at the full journey of every seed.
Unhulled sesame wins for the environment. It needs almost no processing — just cleaning and drying. That means less water, less energy, and less waste. The hull is edible, so nothing goes to landfill. Many farmers even use it as natural mulch or animal feed.
Hulled sesame takes more work. We soak the seeds, remove the hull, and dry them again. That uses water and electricity. But we’re improving — our factory runs on solar power, and we recycle every hull into cattle feed. Still, if you want the greenest option, unhulled is the way.
Both come from rain-fed farms in Gujarat, where sesame grows with minimal chemicals. We’re proud to support organic farmers who protect soil and water for the next generation.
The Final Answer: Which Should You Choose?
After all the details, here’s the truth: there is no “better” sesame seed — only the one that fits your life.
Choose hulled if you want smooth texture, mild flavor, and easy digestion. It’s perfect for baking, kids’ meals, sauces, and daily cooking. It’s the seed that disappears into your food — in the best way.
Choose unhulled if you want maximum nutrition, strong bones, and long-lasting freshness. It’s ideal for health snacks, vegan diets, herbal teas, and bold flavors. It’s the seed that reminds you: small things can be powerful.
Our advice at Sadbhaav Spices? Keep both. Use hulled for convenience. Use unhulled for wellness. Or sprout unhulled seeds overnight — you’ll get the nutrition with better digestion.
Whatever you choose, make it fresh. Make it pure. Make it Sadbhaav.
Ready to Bring Home the Best Sesame?
We export:
- 99.95% pure hulled sesame — FDA-ready
- Certified organic unhulled sesame — EU & USDA compliant
- Premium black sesame — for desserts and wellness
Minimum order: 500 kg Packaging: Custom options available Delivery: 7–10 days worldwide
Contact us now: 📧 info@sadbhaavspices.com 📞 +91 7397993793 🌐 www.sadbhaavspices.com
Let’s make your kitchen healthier, tastier, and full of joy — one seed at a time.
Unhulled wins by a landslide. One tablespoon of unhulled sesame gives 88 mg of calcium — 8 times more than hulled (11 mg). The hull is packed with bone-building minerals, making unhulled the top choice for vegans, kids, and anyone wanting stronger bones.
Yes — hulled is gentler on the stomach. The hull in unhulled seeds contains fiber and phytic acid that can cause bloating if not chewed well. Hulled seeds are smoother, milder, and ideal for sensitive digestion, kids, or daily use in baking and sauces.
Unhulled stays fresh for 1–2 years at room temperature because the hull protects the oil-rich kernel. Hulled needs the fridge and lasts 6–12 months. For long-term storage or emergency snacks, unhulled is the clear winner.