When it comes to sesame seeds, Iran is a land of premium diversity. Known for its fertile soil and ancient farming traditions, Iran produces several types of sesame seeds that differ in color, oil content, texture, and culinary application.

However, the question every importer faces is simple but crucial:

Which sesame seed variety best fits my target market?

At Tamila Agrifood Company, we help buyers from over 20 countries choose the right Iranian sesame type that perfectly matches their food industry standards, consumer expectations, and trade strategy.

Let’s explore how you can make the right choice for your business.

1. Understanding the Main Types of Iranian Sesame Seeds

Iran primarily exports three major types of sesame seeds, each with distinct features and end uses.

1. White Sesame Seeds (Natural or Hulled)

•    Color: Creamy-white to golden

•    Oil Content: 48–52%

•    Flavor: Mild and nutty

•    Common Uses: Bakery, confectionery, tahini, and oil extraction

White sesame is the most popular export variety from Iran. It’s valued for its high purity, rich aroma, and excellent oil yield, making it ideal for global food manufacturers.

Top importing regions: Europe, Japan, UAE, and Canada

2. Black Sesame Seeds

•    Color: Jet-black to dark brown

•    Oil Content: 50–55%

•    Flavor: Stronger and earthier than white sesame

•    Common Uses: Asian cuisine, sushi toppings, desserts, and health products

Black sesame is seen as a superfood in markets like Japan, Korea, and China. It’s rich in antioxidants, calcium, and zinc, often used in premium or organic food products.

Top importing regions: East Asia, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand

3. Hulled Sesame Seeds

•    Processing: Outer husk removed for smoother texture and lighter color

•    Oil Content: 46–50%

•    Flavor: Clean and slightly sweeter

•    Common Uses: Tahini, halva, bakery goods, and sauces

Hulled sesame seeds are machine-processed to achieve high whiteness and purity, a preferred choice for European and Middle Eastern food processors.

Top importing regions: Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt

2. Match the Variety to Your Market’s Needs

Every country, and every buyer, has unique consumer expectations.

Here’s how to align sesame seed selection with your target market:

Market Type   /   Recommended Sesame Type   /   Reason

Health-conscious / Organic markets (Europe, Japan)    /   Black or Natural White   /   High antioxidants, organic certifications

Tahini & Halva manufacturers (Middle East)   /   Hulled White Sesame   /   Smooth texture, high oil yield

Snack & Bakery producers (EU, North America)   /   Hulled or Natural White   /   Mild flavor and aesthetic appeal

/Asian fusion & gourmet food brands (Asia)    /  Black Sesame    Strong aroma, premium presentation

Choosing the right sesame isn’t just about color, it’s about understanding local culinary habits and consumer trends.

3. Evaluate Based on Oil Content & Yield

The oil content of sesame seeds plays a major role in profitability for processors and traders.

•    White sesame: Ideal for oil extraction and tahini production

•    Black sesame: Slightly higher oil, richer aroma

•    Hulled sesame: Lower oil yield, higher purity and taste

If your market focuses on sesame oil production, go for natural (unhulled) white sesame seeds.

If the target industry is ready-to-eat or retail food packaging, hulled sesame offers the best presentation.

4. Packaging & Labeling Considerations

Tamila Agrifood provides flexible export packaging to meet diverse market needs:

•    25kg and 50kg PP woven bags

•    1MT jumbo bags for bulk importers

•    Custom-labeled bags with brand logo for private label buyers

Each packaging type includes a batch number, country of origin, harvest date, and storage guidelines, ensuring compliance with EU and GCC import regulations.

5. Certifications That Add Market Value

Depending on your import country, you may need sesame that complies with:

•    ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)

•    HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points)

•    Organic Certification (EU or USDA)

•    Halal Certification

At Tamila Agrifood, every sesame batch is lab-tested and certified, ensuring maximum quality and easy customs clearance.

6. Taste Profiles and Culinary Usage

Each type of Iranian sesame offers a distinct taste and visual appeal:

Sesame Type   /    Taste Profile   /   Popular Use

White (Natural)   /   Nutty, mild    /   Bread toppings, tahini

White (Hulled)   /   Light, creamy   /   Sweets, halva, sauces

Black Sesame   /   Deep, earthy   /   Sushi, desserts, oils

Knowing your target audience’s palate can help you pick the sesame type that creates product differentiation in competitive markets.

7. Tamila Agrifood’s Role in Product Selection

Choosing the right sesame type isn’t always straightforward. That’s where our consultative export team comes in.

We analyze your target market, import regulations, desired oil content, and branding strategy to suggest:

•    The best seed variety for your audience

•    Ideal packaging formats

•    Suitable shipment ports and Incoterms

This way, we turn sesame trading into a data-driven decision, not a guessing game.

8. Key Takeaways for Importers

Know your target market’s taste and food trends

Align product type with local culinary preferences

Verify certifications and oil content before ordering

Choose packaging based on climate and shelf life

Partner with an experienced supplier for guidance

9. Why Tamila Agrifood Is the Right Partner?

Diverse product range, White, Black, Hulled, and Organic sesame

Custom packaging & labeling for retail and industrial buyers

Certified quality (ISO, HACCP, Organic, Halal)

Reliable logistics from Iran’s main export ports

Global reach, Serving clients across EU, GCC, and Africa

We help our clients select smarter, trade better, and grow faster.

10. Conclusion; The Art of Choosing Right

Choosing the right Iranian sesame seed type isn’t about luck, it’s about insight.

Understanding your market’s preferences, processing requirements, and quality expectations can turn a simple import into a high-value business opportunity.

At Tamila Agrifood, we bridge this gap with expertise, quality control, and personalized export solutions, ensuring every sesame seed you import speaks the language of your market.

Contact us today to request a quotation:

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Call / WhatsApp for Inquiries:  +989141858935

Tamila Agrifood; Your Trusted Partner in Global Sesame Trade