Tahini and sesame paste are the same, right?

[TwoSocks]

I am trying to make a batch of Hummus for my pregnent wife who is demanding it, but I'm having a hard time finding the Tahini that the recipe needs. My regular grocery store didn't have it last night, and calling around to both a market in our tiny China Town plaza and The International Market didn't seam to turn it up either. One store said they had sesame paste, but the guy said he'd never heard of Tahini before. I thought they were essentially the same, but am I misinformed? Am I asking the wrong question when I call to make sure it's on the store shelf?

[QueenBea]

This is what a google searched returned:

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, but it's not exactly sesame paste. How's that so? Tahini is made with hulled sesame seeds (just the kernels), and sesame paste is made with the entire seed (shell and all).

Tahini is a typically Middle Eastern ingredient, and sesame paste is more common in East Asian cuisines. While you can find tahini at most grocery stores, you'll probably have to go to an Asian market for sesame paste.

[Sue]

Asian sesame paste is toasted which give it a different flavor, more like toasted sesame oil which is added to stir-fries.
There is a kind of regular sesame oil in comparison which is more like peanut oil, very light both on color and flavor.
The Asian sesame paste will taste quite a bit different from tahini.

[Mikekey]

Look in the Indian/Middle Eastern section of the Ethnic aisle in larger supermarkets. Tahini is usually in a metal can with a plastic snap on lid.

[Engrossed]

I just found some fresh Tahini near the refrigerated Hummus at Trader Joe's! I'm excited to try it because I find the canned and jarred kinds tend to be bitter. If you really can't find it anywhere, some people use peanut butter, while not the same it still tastes good.

[acerast]

QueenBea has an interesting recipe that you might try.
Cheater Hummus http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/cheater-hummus-1620
It uses Sesame Oil for flavoring rather than Tahini.

[QueenBea]

QueenBea has an interesting recipe that you might try.
Cheater Hummus http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/cheater-hummus-1620
It uses Sesame Oil for flavoring rather than Tahini.

Now why didn't I think of posting my recipe here I make it all the time.

Thanks Acerast.