As you may know by now, I am always looking for new, unique discoveries – especially the delicious kind. Well, I believe I found another to share with you. Let me introduce you to Seed & Mill at 409 West 15th Street in the Chelsea Market. The focus of this Chelsea Market shop is 18 rotating flavours of halva. They also sell freshly milled tahini. For those of you who have never tried this delectable Middle Eastern confection, the name, “halva”, is derived from the Arabic word, “Halwa”, meaning, “sweet”. It is made by mixing tahini (sesame seed butter) with sugar at high temperatures and then stirring in individual flavours. Sesame seeds have been used since ancient times, as currency, medicine, and even as a symbol of immortality.

I was never a fan of halva. I have always found it dry and unappealing. But the halva Seed & Mill concoct tastes like nothing I have ever had before. It is creamy and of the highest quality and their flavours are so innovative.

The Founder, Lisa Mendelson, brought this largely unknown import back with her from Israel, opening the NYC shop along with partners, Monica Molenaar and Rachel Simons. They offer both sweet and savoury flavours, and gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and sugar-free options. Pistachio, lavender, rose oil, ginger, cardamom, chia seeds, chocolate hazelnut, coffee, crunchy peanut butter, cinnamon, sea salt and chocolate are just some of the flavours they offer on rotation.
They mill and craft a silky, sesame paste from the highest quality Ethiopian seeds. This is the foundation for their artisanal halva and other treats. They also offer jars of different flavour tahinis, sesame spice blends, panini and soft-serve goat milk that you can top with flavoured halva. The product is being made in Israel to their specifications. They have dreamed up so many tasty combinations.

The staff is friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. The shop looks great, too.

This is the only store in the USA that is solely dedicated to sesame seed products. It is the best halva that I have ever had. I love this place!

Highly Recommended!
Shanea

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