Sesame and Sunflower Gomasio

Gomasio is a Japanese term that translates to 'Sesame Salt.' This low-sodium seasoning offers a slightly nutty, salty, and umami-rich flavor that has been treasured in Asian cuisines for centuries as a healthy alternative to salt. Some traditional variations even include dried seaweed to enhance the mineral content.

This sentient seasoning is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it perfect for seasoning salads, appetizers, and main dishes. The base recipe for gomasio is beautifully simple: we toast the seeds until they are lightly browned, grind them into a fine powder, and mix with sea salt or Himalayan rock salt. My version offers two methods—one using sesame seeds and the other using sunflower seeds—to provide variety in both flavor and nutritional profile.

For a quick and delicious salad dressing, combine the juice of a lemon, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice. Season this mixture with gomasio and drizzle over salads for a nutty, tangy, and mildly salty flavor that awakens the palate. While I prefer using a mortar and pestle to prepare gomasio—the traditional method that releases the oils most effectively—you can also use a blender for convenience.