One of the oldest seed spices known to man, Sesame seeds are thought to have originated in India or Africa. The first written record of sesame dates back to 3,000 BC. There are three varieties of sesame seed - white is the most common, pale which is also called golden, brown or pale gold, and black. The three seed varieties are all very similar but there are some subtle differences - Black Sesame Seeds and Golden Sesame Seeds are not hulled, while White Sesame Seeds are hulled which shows the seed's true color.
The lighter color seeds are more frequently found in Middle Eastern and Western cuisines, while the black seeds are more popular in Far Eastern cuisine. Sesame seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals and black sesame seeds contain roughly 60% more calcium than their hulled cousins.
Toasting black sesame seeds releases beneficial chemicals as well as enhancing the flavor. There is some controversy on the benefits of toasting these seeds, as some cooks believe that black sesame is bitter when dry-roasted. Japanese chefs believe the secret is in lightly roasting them. To toast black sesame seeds, place them on a cookie sheet and roast in a pre-heated oven at 325° for 5-7 minutes. We like to stir these once at the half way point and we are sure not to overcook (this causes the bitterness).
David Humphrey
Chef/Owner
In September of 2019 our Chef/Owner, David Humphrey, started A&H Provisions to help bring a local option for spices to the Atlanta, Georgia area. An option that will give local residents the ability to have a spice merchant help them make the right choices when purchasing their spices. We will source our product so as to provide you with freshest product possible.
Chef David has been in the culinary industry for over 25 years. His first job was at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. After that he was hooked on the industry. He would continue to work with food whether it was in the back or front of house, in positions from entry level to managerial. In 2010, Chef David enrolled in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Chicago and then graduated in March of 2012 with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. He then began working at fine dining restaurants in Chicago, amongst them were, Bistro Bordeaux, Fork and A10. In 2016, He moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia and began working at restaurants there, then eventually switched over to Private Chef work before starting A&H Provisions.
At A&H Provisions, we have the belief that making great food starts with a solid FOUNDATION. Our spices provide that foundation for ultimate FLAVOR, which will give you the greatest tasting FOOD for you and your family.