What is "tahini" and where can I find it?

[alanmaldonado]

Many hummus call for it. I could not find it at my regular grocery store. (Whole foods is opening in my neighborhood on 28-MAR-2012 so maybe I need to wait until then?)

Thanks!!

[alanmaldonado]

Many hummus call for it.

Rather "Many hummus RECIPES call for it"

[vincentxanthony]

Tahini is a middle-eastern sesame paste. It makes a great spread, and dressing, too! But, yeah, it really changes the flavor and texture of hummus, but it's not entirely necessary

[Hiking Fox]

Try your local Asian grocery.

[xrodolfox]

You can make tahini by crushing sesame seeds. Tahini is nothing more than mashed up sesame, similar to how peanut butter is mashed up peanuts.

[Goob]

I'm surprised you can't find tahini in your normal grocery store. Here it's in the jewish foods section. If you are from south florida there must be a jewish foods section in your grocery store, right? Or at least some place that sells jewish food? Halvah is very popular in jewish communities and tahini is the main ingredient.

[xrodolfox]

Wait.
This poster is from South Florida? You can find Tahini anywhere, already processed, and ready to go. I've seen it in Publix. They have Wild Oats and Whole Foods there too, and any middle-eastern grocery store of any kind will be the best tahini for cheap. They do exist in South Florida.