LianHao - hei zhi ma (Sesami Semen Nigrum) Black sesame seeds

Hei Zhi Ma (Sesami Semen Nigrum), or black sesame, is a traditional ingredient in Asian cuisine, valued for centuries for its nutty flavour and culinary versatility. In Chinese culture, it symbolises strength and vitality.

Culinary use:
Black sesame can be used toasted, ground, or whole. It adds rich aroma and depth to soups, rice dishes, pastries, desserts, teas, and bowls. Popular uses include black sesame paste, sesame balls, and black sesame tea.

Natural composition:
Black sesame naturally contains unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, vitamin E, B vitamins, and natural antioxidants. It also contains plant lignans (such as sesamin and sesamolin) and mild bitter compounds, which give black sesame its distinctive, rich flavour.

Scientific literature describes sesame as a nutrient-rich oilseed studied for its lipid profile and antioxidant components. These findings characterise the plant but do not represent health claims.

Today, Hei Zhi Ma is recognised as a natural Asian superfood, appreciated for its nutty taste, nutritional richness, and deep cultural roots in Asian cuisine.