Black sesame, a lesser-known ingredient, is used to create a new beverage that has gradually gained popularity. Due to its warming properties and comparatively high calcium content, this ingredient remains
highly valued in India, often associated with festivals and rituals.
Many chefs and influencers are sharing their recipes or discussing their advantages. The beverage is essentially a nutty, creamy coffee or shake produced by mixing milk or black coffee with ground sesame seeds.
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What Is Black Sesame Latte?
In essence, a sesame latte is made using sesame paste or powder instead of coffee syrup as the taste foundation. The Heukimja latte, also known as the black sesame latte, is often made in Korean cafés by layering milk, a shot of espresso, and sweet black sesame paste. It is then topped with whipped black sesame cream or a dusting of seeds. Like any other latte, the Heukimja can be served with espresso. This version is kid-friendly and caffeine-free because it just contains milk and sesame.
It can be iced, heated, or even frappé-style. Indian palates will recognise the slight smokiness of black sesame’s bittersweet, tahini-meets-til-ke-laddoo taste.
The Craze in South Korea
The sesame latte is a fantastic fit for South Korea’s café culture, which is based on seasonal, visually appealing drinks that are both novel and comfortable. Sweet potato lattes, maize lattes and other nostalgic, dessert-like beverages that bring back memories of childhood flavours in a contemporary cup belong to the same family as black sesame lattes. Since black sesame has long been used in Korean and other East Asian delicacies, the flavour is comforting and well-known rather than novel.
Black sesame has a reputation for promoting healthy hormones, skin, hair, and heart. It is popular on social media because of its aesthetic appeal. The gorgeous photos of the tiered glasses, sesame-speckled foam, and subtle grey swirls keep appearing all over social media. Korean-style lattes, such as black sesame, are among the global coffee trend surveys, hitting worldwide cafés, indicating that the beverage is not merely a fleeting Seoul-only sensation.
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Chef Gautam Kumar, a well-known chefpreneur and hospitality experience designer, claims that “this drink is already becoming popular in high-profile weddings and events involving younger crowds.” It is well-liked among foodies who enjoy showcasing their meals on social media because of its excellent visual appeal. Because of its many health advantages, even the younger generation enjoys this beverage.
About black sesame seeds
With 49–50 g of fat per 100 g, black sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, primarily unsaturated fats. 17–18 grammes of protein for every 100 grammes. There are about 12 g of fibre and 23 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. minerals such as zinc (~7.8 mg), calcium (~975 mg), iron (~14.6 mg), magnesium (351 mg), and phosphorus (629 mg) in 100 g.
Black sesame seeds health benefits
Black sesame is discovered in the sweet spot where traditional wisdom and modern nutrition research meet. These tiny seeds are considered a powerful source of nutrition in India and play an important part in the medical systems of Korea, China, and Japan.
Minerals like zinc and magnesium, vitamin B1, and good fats can all be found in the seeds. They contribute to the synthesis of hormones, the integrity of the skin barrier, and the strength of hair. Black sesame extracts may aid with insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress.
Home-friendly version of a simple Korean-style black sesame latte
Use 1–2 teaspoons of jaggery powder, brown sugar, or honey, adjusting the amount to taste.200 ml of milk, which can be cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk, will work. 1 espresso shot or ¼ cup strong coffee. Pinch of salt½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Method
Stir continuously to prevent burning, dry-toast the black sesame seeds on low heat for two to three minutes until aromatic. After a little cooling, ground them into a thick, pourable paste using a mixie or spice grinder together with the sweetener and a small amount of milk. To make it smooth, scrape down the sides.
To achieve that marbled grey swirl, slowly pour in the milk. Add the espresso on top if you’re using it. To avoid having all the sesame at the bottom, thoroughly stir before consuming.
For added protein and richness, use oat or soy milk. For an Indo-Korean crossover feel, add a dash of cardamom or cinnamon. Increase the amount of sesame to 1.5–2 tablespoons if you want more nutrients, but be mindful of calories and taste balance.
