The Ancient Seed in the Modern Spotlight
Black sesame milk is a plant-based beverage made by blending toasted black sesame seeds with water, often with a natural sweetener like dates or maple syrup and sometimes cashews for extra creaminess. While it may be a new trend for some, black sesame seeds have
been a staple in Asian culinary and medicinal traditions for thousands of years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, they are revered as a tonic for nourishing the body, supporting vitality, and promoting longevity. The recent buzz, fueled by celebrities like Adah Sharma sharing their wellness routines, has introduced this ancient health secret to a new generation looking for nutritious and dairy-free alternatives.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Glass
Don't let their small size fool you; black sesame seeds are incredibly nutrient-dense. They are an excellent source of minerals that are crucial for overall health. They are particularly rich in copper, which supports iron metabolism, and offer significant amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are vital for bone and heart health. In fact, compared to their hulled, white counterparts, unhulled black sesame seeds retain a much higher concentration of these minerals. They are also packed with healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and fibre, which aids digestion.
Beauty from the Inside Out
Many of the traditional uses for black sesame centre around its beauty benefits, particularly for hair and skin. The seeds are loaded with antioxidants, including compounds called sesamin and sesamolin, as well as vitamin E. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, a process that contributes to premature ageing, fine lines, and collagen breakdown. For hair, black sesame is a legend. It contains nutrients like iron, zinc, and copper, which play a role in melanin production—the pigment that gives hair its colour. Adequate circulation to the scalp, supported by these minerals, promotes healthy follicles, which can lead to stronger, shinier hair.
How to Make Black Sesame Milk at Home
Making this nutty, creamy milk at home is surprisingly simple. Following a method similar to the one shared by Adah Sharma, you can whip up a fresh batch in minutes. Start by dry-roasting about half a cup of black sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until they become fragrant and start to pop. Let them cool. For extra creaminess, you can add a small handful of cashews (around 8-10). Add the toasted seeds and cashews to a high-speed blender with 3-4 cups of water, a couple of pitted dates for sweetness, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for one to two minutes until the mixture is smooth. Finally, strain the liquid through a nut milk bag or a fine cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all the milk. The result is a fresh, preservative-free black sesame milk ready to be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Don't Waste the Pulp
One of the best parts of making your own plant-based milk is the leftover pulp, which is full of fibre and nutrients. Instead of discarding it, you can put it to good use. Adah Sharma has shared that she uses the leftover sesame and cashew pulp as a natural face pack. By applying the paste to her face, letting it dry for about 10 minutes, and then gently scrubbing it off, she gets a gentle exfoliation that leaves the skin soft and radiant. You can also incorporate the pulp into recipes for energy balls, add it to oatmeal, or mix it into batter for baked goods to add extra fibre and a nutritional boost.
