Best Method recommended method with best effort-to-efficacy tradeoff 3-6 months
Pantry (Upside-Down)
- Keep the lid sealed tightly between uses
- Store in a cool, dark spot away from heat and light heat and light speed up rancidity of the sesame oils
- Store the jar upside-down keeps the oil and solids mixed for an easier-to-stir, drizzle-friendly texture
- Use a clean, dry spoon and keep water out of the jar moisture is the main thing that can spoil low-moisture tahini
Longest Storage maximizes storage duration, but requires more effort or special equipment 6-12 months
Refrigerated
- Seal tightly and refrigerate to slow oxidation cold roughly doubles the peak-quality window vs the pantry
- Expect a thicker, spreadable paste cold firms up the sesame oil into a stiffer texture
- Let it warm to room temperature before stirring makes the thickened paste easier to mix and drizzle
Fun Facts
- Tahini is simply ground sesame seeds, so like other seed and nut butters its oil naturally separates and rises to the top.
- Storing the jar upside-down lets the risen oil migrate back through the solids, so it is already partly remixed the next time you open it.