(くろ)ごま

くろごま
noun
black sesame seeds
1. black sesame seeds
Sesame seeds with a dark black hull, known for their strong nutty flavor and aroma. Widely used in Japanese sweets, as a garnish, and in health-conscious cooking.
(くろ)ごまアイスが人気(にんき)だ。
Black sesame ice cream is popular.
おにぎりに(くろ)ごまをまぶす。
To coat a rice ball in black sesame seeds.
(くろ)ごまは(しろ)ごまより(かお)りが(つよ)く、お菓子(かし)にもよく使(つか)われる。
Black sesame has a stronger aroma than white sesame and is also commonly used in sweets.

A compound of (くろ) (black) and ごま (胡麻(ごま), sesame). Black sesame has a richer, more robust flavor than (しろ)ごま and is particularly associated with Japanese sweets and health foods.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (くろ)ごまプリン: black sesame pudding
  • (くろ)ごまアイス: black sesame ice cream
  • (くろ)ごまペースト: black sesame paste
  • (くろ)ごま豆腐(どうふ): black sesame tofu (a traditional dessert)

RELATED WORDS:

  • (しろ)ごま: white sesame seeds — milder flavor, more versatile
  • (きん)ごま: golden sesame seeds — a rarer, aromatic variety
  • 胡麻(ごま): sesame — the general term
  • ()りごま: toasted sesame — the most common prepared form

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
(くろ)ごま is considered a health food in Japan and is often marketed for its high mineral content (calcium, iron) and antioxidants. (くろ)ごまプリン and (くろ)ごまアイス have become signature Japanese flavors recognized internationally. In traditional cuisine, (くろ)ごま豆腐(どうふ) (a smooth, set pudding-like dish) is served in 精進(しょうじん)料理(りょうり) (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).