Black sesame paste (kuro neri goma in Japanese) is a thick, smooth paste made from roasted black sesame seeds, often sweetened or mixed with oils to enhance texture and flavor. It was first used in East Asia, particularly China and Japan, where it has been used for centuries both as food and in traditional medicine.
In Chinese cuisine, black sesame paste features prominently in tong sui sweet soups like zhī ma hú (black sesame soup) and desserts such as tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and mooncakes, while in Japanese cuisine it appears in sweets, savories, and sauces.
The paste is valued for its rich, nutty flavor and jet-black color, and has historically been associated with longevity and vitality in various Asian cultures. Black sesame paste is also used as a filling in breads and pastries, as a spread, as an ingredient in sauces, and as an ice cream flavor.