白(しろ)ごま

A compound of 白(しろ) (white) and ごま (胡麻(ごま), sesame). White sesame is the most commonly used sesame variety in Japan, accounting for the majority of sesame consumption. It has a milder flavor than 黒(くろ)ごま (black sesame).

Common collocations

• 白(しろ)ごまを擂(す)る: to grind white sesame
• 白(しろ)炒(い)りごま: toasted white sesame
• 白(しろ)擂(す)りごま: ground white sesame
• 白(しろ)練(ね)りごま: white sesame paste

Related words

• 黒(くろ)ごま: black sesame seeds — stronger, nuttier flavor; popular in sweets
• 金(きん)ごま: golden sesame seeds — a rarer variety with a rich aroma
• 胡麻(ごま): sesame — the general term
• 炒(い)りごま: toasted sesame — the most common prepared form
• すりごま: ground sesame

Usage

White sesame appears everywhere in Japanese cooking: as a garnish on rice, in 胡麻(ごま)和(あ)え (sesame-dressed vegetables), in dressings and sauces, and in 白(しろ)ごまプリン (white sesame pudding). On packaging, look for 白(しろ)いりごま (toasted) or 白(しろ)すりごま (ground).