Not for sprouting: the sesame sold by Sprouting.com is for culinary use, not sprouting. That's why we don't link to it here. If you want to try sesame sprouts, look for raw, unhulled sesame sold for sprouting.
Short answer: you can only sprout raw, unhulled sesame. Soak it for 4 to 8 hours, drain it in a fine-mesh jar or sieve, and rinse 2 or 3 times a day. Use it in 1 to 2 days, as soon as a tiny tail appears, before it turns bitter. For easier nutty sprouts, use hulled sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Why most sesame won't sprout
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds are small and oily. Most sesame in stores is hulled (white sesame) or toasted. Hulling and heat damage the germ, so the seed can't grow. Only raw, unhulled sesame, usually tan or black with the hull on, is still alive.
How to try sesame sprouts
- Day0
Soak
Soak ¼ cup of raw, unhulled sesame for 4 to 8 hours.
- Day0–1
Rinse and drain
Drain into a fine-mesh jar or sieve. Rinse and drain 2 or 3 times a day.
- Day1–2
Use right away
As soon as tiny tails appear, use them. Longer sprouts turn bitter.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing sprouts | Hulled or toasted seed | Use raw, unhulled sesame |
| Bitter taste | Sprouted too long | Use at the first tiny tail |
| Seeds wash away | Mesh too coarse | Use a very fine sieve |
Seeds to sprout instead
| Seed | Why | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Hulled sunflower | Nutty, sprouts in 1–2 days | Sunflower |
| Pumpkin seeds | Nutty, great dried | How to sprout pumpkin seeds |
| Quinoa | Mild, sprouts in a day | Quinoa |
| Flax | Nutty, grown on a plate | Flax |
Browse more in sprouting seeds.
How to use sesame sprouts
Add them to salads, grain bowls, dips like hummus, or blend them into a fresh tahini-style sauce. Eat them soon after sprouting.
How to tell if sesame will sprout
- Unhulled sesame has a matte, tan or black seed coat. It can sprout.
- Hulled sesame is bright white and smooth. It won't sprout.
- Toasted sesame is golden and smells roasted. It won't sprout.
Do a quick test: soak a spoonful of seed and keep it damp for a day. If tiny white tails don't appear, the seed won't sprout.
Safety
If you're allergic to sesame, avoid sesame sprouts. The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.12
Sesame FAQ
Can you sprout sesame seeds?
Only raw, unhulled sesame. It grows a tiny tail in 1 to 2 days. Hulled, toasted or roasted sesame won't sprout.
Why are my sesame sprouts bitter?
Sesame turns bitter quickly once it sprouts. Use it as soon as the tiny tail appears, within 1 to 2 days.
Does Sprouting.com sell sesame for sprouting?
The sesame Sprouting.com sells is for culinary use, not sprouting. For nutty sprouts, try hulled sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
Can I sprout black sesame seeds?
If they're raw and unhulled, yes, the same way as tan unhulled sesame. Use them as soon as tiny tails appear.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
