FAQs

• How do I store tahini once it’s open?

Once opened you can keep in a cupboard out of direct sunlight.

We don’t recommend storing in the fridge as sesame seeds contain a high content of oil so, when cold the oil will solidify and make it harder to use

The natural oils rise to the top of the tahini, simply stir back in each time before using.

• There’s a lot of oil in my jar of tahini

Sunita tahini is made of 100% sesame seeds. Sesame seeds by nature contain a high percentage of healthy oil. When ground into tahini paste, the oil will naturally rise to the top.

All you need to do is stir the tahini each time before using. If you drain off the oil, the tahini will become too thick and dry and will be difficult to use.

• Which tahini is best – light or whole?

This is totally down to personal preference. Both light and whole tahini contain good amounts of calcium and protein so you can benefit from either.

However, whole tahini uses the whole sesame seed (including outer skin) which gives the tahini a slightly higher nutritional value, but a more bitter taste.

The light tahini has had the outer skin of the sesame seed removed before grinding, which means the taste is milder, less bitter and a little creamier.

• Where are the sesame seeds from that are used in your tahini?

Our organic tahini uses Ethiopian sesame seeds which are renowned for their superior, buttery quality.

Our conventional (non-organic) tahini uses neighbouring Sudanese sesame seeds. Sesame seeds require 50% less water than cotton which is why switching to sesame farming has also helped to nourish the soils in this area.

• What’s the difference between light and whole tahini?

We are often asked this and the answer is simple.

For whole tahini, we use the whole sesame seed – including the thin outer layer of skin. For light tahini, we remove the seed’s skin.

The difference you will find is that the whole tahini is darker in colour, slightly higher in nutrients with a stronger, more bitter taste. The light tahini will be lighter in colour with a more delicate taste. Sesame seeds you buy are often referred to as white sesame seeds (hulled), whereby the skin has been removed or brown sesame seeds (un-hulled) when the outer skin is left on.

• Are your olives hand-picked?

Yes. Both our olives and olive oil ranges are all picked by hand or with hand-held motorised pickers.

We do not use machinery to ‘hoover’ olives from the trees nor do we pick at night when nesting birds are asleep.

• I have sensitive skin. Can I use Oliva Soap?

We don’t promote Oliva soap as a remedy for skin allergies or intolerances, but it is a pure soap without any hidden nasties.

It’s made solely from 85% sodium olivate (saponified olive oil), 15% water and traces of sodium chloride (salt) and free alkali (sodium hydroxide)

• How do I cut the 600g Oliva soap?

For those that buy the larger soap bar and just want to use a small piece at a time, we suggest popping the soap into the microwave for a few seconds and then cutting with a sharp knife.

However, if you have a cheese wire/slicer, this works better.