On US-1, A&S Lux Interiors presents a clear point of view. The studio, founded by Anastasio and Shawn, is grounded in what they call “effortless coastal luxury,” a balance of clean lines, natural materials, and a palette that feels calm rather than contrived.
“Our signature is effortless coastal luxury: clean lines, natural textures like stone and linen, and a calming palette that feels personal and inviting,” they say.
That philosophy carries across high-end residences, commercial projects, and bespoke yacht interiors. Scale may change, but the approach does not. Each project begins with understanding how a client lives.
“We design for our clients’ daily rhythms by asking questions like, ‘What’s your ideal day?’” they explain. “We then translate those stories into functional designs with fluid layouts and custom details that reflect their lifestyle.”
The result is spaces that prioritize movement and function as much as aesthetics. Layouts are open but purposeful. Materials are chosen not only for appearance, but for durability. Details are custom, but never gratuitous.
Heritage and travel shape the studio’s emotional tone. Anastasio’s Greek background and Shawn’s Caribbean roots inform a design language that nods to Mediterranean ease without leaning into theme.
“We use whites, neutrals, and organic forms to evoke a mix of Mediterranean calm and Caribbean flair,” they note, creating interiors that feel sun-washed and restorative in South Florida’s climate.
Luxury, in their view, is about intention. “We curate with intention, using multifunctional pieces in durable, patina-rich materials mixed with clients’ personal artifacts,” they say. “This ensures homes feel beautifully lived-in rather than overly perfect.”
That balance between beauty and livability defines their work. Homes are designed to be used, not just admired. Yachts are tailored for both performance and comfort. Commercial spaces reflect brand identity without sacrificing warmth.
Looking ahead, the duo is evolving thoughtfully. Sustainable materials, including bio-fabrics, are becoming part of their specifications. They are exploring new markets in the Caribbean and integrating technology for smarter living, allowing their coastal aesthetic to adapt without losing its core.
With a new season comes a new reason to buy shoes – sandals, in this case! While we love a good sneak, nothing beats simply sliding into a sandal [and the fact that it’s 70+ degrees when we’re wearing them]. Today we’re sharing our favorite sandals of the moment, so that all that’s left to do is schedule that pedicure!
We always called my Nannie and Pawpaw’s place “the farm.” They had acreage and a house with a detached shop that kept their tractor. They never had animals beyond a outdoor dog, but my Nannie was an amazing gardener, growing the best spinach you’ve ever eaten in your life, juicy tomatoes, and other wonders I’m sure if I could remember back a little further.
So it feels a little weird referring to my own home as a farm, but I like the sound of it and I do have chickens, so what exactly are the qualifiers to call one’s home a farm? A goat or a donkey you say? Ok, well, if you say so…. In my dreams. We aren’t actually permitted to have one of those but if I find one that resembles a dog well enough, all bets are off.
I’ll file these home/farm updates under the HOME category where I put all the posts relating to building, decor, garden, etc (for the few people beyond myself that might go searching for a particular topic). So let’s hop to!
Life with the Chickens
Let’s dive in with the chicken drama. To start, Earl has hit puberty. Our lone remaining rooster who we cuddled and snuggled from birth has a bit on an attitude now that he has hormones rushing through him.
I did my research and learned not to run away, not to physically manhandle him, but to assert my dominance in his space until he learned to give way. I came out fully decked out for our first face off and have gotten a bit more relaxed with it since then. He does seem to respect me more now and isn’t flying at my legs nearly as often, but I don’t love the idea of having a feisty rooster around with kids so I’m really hoping he starts to chill out a bit.
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On one hand, I have to respect that he’s doing his job well. He watches after the ladies, keeps them rounded up, and alerts them when he’s found something good to eat. He doesn’t go out looking for a fight but definitely doesn’t like anyone or anything to get close to his ladies. But I don’t love that the kids are now scared to go in with the chickens.
In other news, one of our Copper Maran girls, Bellatrix, got our farm’s first booty bath. She had dried excrement stuck on her super fluffy booty feathers. We filled up a bin with warm water and had to soak her back end in it while I “shampooed” (with a gentle soap) the feathers until she was all clean. This took about 20 minutes. Then we gave me booty a blow dry so she wouldn’t catch a chill.
Non chicken owners are probably cringing at this. This chicken owner is, too, believe me. I couldn’t get in the shower fast enough.
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The last nugget of chicken drama is that I caught them trying to roost on the wooden ladder toy in the run. I had to teach them to go back in the coop where it’s safest and temperature is best controlled, so I’ve been going out every late afternoon and knocking over their wooden play structure. Since chickens naturally want to roost in the highest place they can find, they’ve been heading back into the coop in the evenings on their own now.
But despite the drama, I love having chickens. I love learning about them, caring for them (usually), and I love the rainbow of eggs they provide us with daily. We have eggs coming out our ears, usually a full 6-8 per day, which means everyone is laying!
In the Garden
Oh this week’s sunshine and 70’s sure had me thinking about plants! Currently in my garden I have cilantro and thyme that have just done their own thing and are thriving. I have carrots I haphazardly planted a few months back. Finley LOVES them and the chickens love the green tops. They are only a few inches long but they’ve been fun. I also have garlic starting to pop up, which is helpful for me to remember exactly where I had planted it.
The big news is that my seeds came in! Am I late to start growing from seed? Maybe. But I’m a very type B gardener and am excited to get them started this weekend.
I planted (ahem, I placed and David actually planted) three new blueberry bushes this week. I also want to get another plum tree and maybe a fig tree, too.
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For the main garden, I need to get some fresh soil or compost (research is yet to be done) and till it all up (best tool ever for easy tilling). I’ll be doing that over the next few weeks and then it will be getting close to garden planting season- ahhh!
Outdoor Projects
In outdoor project updates, the shed is built! It still needs a few finishing touches, like epoxy floor and filling in some spaces to ensure birds don’t get in, but for now it’s functional and so nice to have the storage space.
The sauna is really coming along. David has done an incredible job at building the outer “box,” installing the oiled pine siding, and laying the floors. He is waiting on the company to send him the interior wood cuts to finish it all out, which hopefully will be soon. Our traditional sauna should be up and running just in time for summer! (ha ;))
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Fencing. My new fixation is a fence for our chickens. Right now I’m letting them out to free range for just 1-2 hours at the end of the day. I’d like to let them out more but I worry about predators and them running into neighboring yards (most neighbors don’t mind, but still). I got a quote for a fence for an area for them to forage within boundaries with some tree coverage for hopefully increased protection. Now if I could just get David’s work schedule to chill out a bit so we’d have time to discuss it!
That about sums up the “farm” projects. Now I just need to come up with a fun name for our chickens so I can create a sticker or stamp for the cartons. Hmm… any ideas?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that the sun shines brightly for you!
I’ve ordered a lot from Quince over the past few years. Dresses, cashmere, shoes, swimsuits, leather bags, baby items, and activewear. At this point, I feel very qualified to give an honest Quince clothing review.
Quince is an online retailer that sells high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories at surprisingly low prices. Their mission is to create quality products sustainably and cut out the middleman by selling directly to consumers using a factory-direct model.
I’ve tried a lot. Some pieces are incredible. Some are just okay. A few were definite misses.
Quick Answer: Is Quince Worth It?
After 2+ years of buying, I’ll be honest: I have mixed feelings.
Quince is not a slow-fashion brand built to last a decade. But it is solidly better than Target or Amazon, and the value in certain categories is genuinely hard to beat. The catch? Quality is hit or miss depending on the category.
The sweet spot: If your budget or lifestyle does not allow for $200 jeans or $250 sweaters from brands like Frank & Eileen (hello, young kids!), Quince is a great option. If you like owning something for a few years and then replacing it, rather than investing in forever pieces, you will likely love it.
Is Quince legit? Yes, absolutely. It’s a real brand with genuinely good quality in several categories. Just go in knowing it is not luxury-tier, and some categories are better than others.
Quince Clothing Review: Everything I’ve Tried
Everything below is organized by category with a YES, MAYBE, or NO verdict and my size listed for each item.
The fit is unbelievable. These remind me of my Madewell jeans in fit and quality, and those cost $100+. Nice stretch, great in the booty. One note: they stretch out after one to two wears, so plan to wash and dry them every few wears. The wash and fit range is not quite as varied as designer denim, but for the price, these are outstanding. I am truly obsessed.
A bestseller for good reason, and I wear these all the time. Like the kick flares, they do stretch out, so you may want to consider sizing down. A great everyday wide-leg option at a very hard-to-argue-with price.
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Cashmere
A quick note on Quince cashmere overall: impressive for the price, but compared to higher-end cashmere I own, it feels slightly lighter and less substantial. Think excellent everyday cashmere, not a forever investment piece.
Soft, lightweight, and layers beautifully. I used to spend $100+ on cashmere that looks and feels nearly identical. None of mine have pilled or gotten holes with regular wear. A great layering piece year-round. You can find my other favorite cashmere sweaters here.
A 10/10. True to size, not itchy at all. The lightweight feel works well from spring through early fall. One of those sweaters that looks elevated but still feels easy.
I had been searching for a cardigan like this for a while. Buttons without gapping. It works layered over a tee, worn over the shoulders, or even with dresses. The color works year-round, which I love.
Shockingly flattering for the price. Easy to layer with a denim jacket or light cardigan in spring, or wear on its own as it warms up into summer. Pairs great with loafers or sneakers.
The quality of this dress is very similar to the Ellie Hill House Home dress, but more affordable. (You can read my Hill House dress review here.) Fit is great on top, but I noticed pulling near the hips and had to exchange for a larger size. No pockets, which is a miss. Read the size notes carefully before ordering.
Give me anything polo and I love it, this was no exception. It has a bit of stretch, so it drapes nicely and does not feel fussy. There is no gapping, and it lays really well. It is a definite keeper.
I snagged this sweater because I wanted something that could be worn on its own or layered. It’s a yes for me because it gives you a longer shelf life into spring and summer.
This shirt has a slightly lived-in look, which makes it feel less precious than a crisp white shirt. I wear it with jeans, layered over a tank, or even as a pool cover-up. I love pieces that are so versatile, and this one definitely meets the mark.
This is a solid classic and depending on your body type it might be great for you. For me, it runs slightly long; I wish it came in petite sizing! (Remember I’m only 5’1″, so someone taller might really find this as a win.)
The lightweight linen fabric makes them work perfectly in the transitional season months. Pairs great with a t-shirt and sandals for spring, or a chunky sweater moving into colder months.
These fit well everywhere except the waist, which was just slightly too tight. If you have a smaller waist, you may love them. Otherwise, sizing up might help, though it could make them larger elsewhere.
I experienced the same sizing issue with the pants as I did the shorts. Slightly snug in the waist and a little tight through the hips. I would recommend sizing up one size.
This bag completely exceeded my expectations! The leather feels high-end, the zippers are sturdy, and the structure holds up well. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury handbag, this is a solid choice.
The leggings have strong compression but still feel buttery soft, and I was very impressed with the quality. They feel more supportive than some of my Amazon pairs. I stopped buying Lululemon because the quality no longer felt worth the price to me, and these feel like a strong alternative.
The Italian leather feels premium and they look great. Same sizing note: size down if between sizes. Better fit experience than the clogs, but still not a slam dunk.
They look well made and are nicer than the Amazon version of the Birkenstock dupes I tried, but I did not find them comfortable. The sizing was off and the fit just did not work for me. Would not repurchase.
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Swimwear
Swimwear is one of the trickier categories at Quince. The compression is lighter than I prefer, and sizing varies quite a bit between styles. A couple of wins, but several misses.
This suit ran extremely small compared to the others. I could barely get it on in the same size! Pass for me. Although this is a budget option I think the Left On Friday Peak Suit is well worth the price and a much better fit. You can see my Left on Friday review here.
This is my absolute favorite sleep sack for the boys. It’s softer and cozier than others I’ve tried, and it holds up better in the wash than Kyte sleep sacks. Highly recommend!
So soft and adorable, but they run small and showed wear quickly. I bought them when my baby was 12 months old and the 12-18 month size did not fit. Size up, or skip altogether.(These are my favorite brands for toddler boy clothes!)
These were a ‘no’ for me since they felt a little rough. I ended up returning them and sticking with my go-to Solly sheets.
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FAQs
What Is Quince Clothing?
Quince (also known as One Quince; their Instagram is @onequince) is a direct-to-consumer brand selling elevated basics at accessible prices using a factory-direct model. They carry cashmere, Italian leather, organic cotton, silk, and more.
Is Quince Legit?
Yes. Quince is a real, legitimate brand with genuinely good quality in several categories. It is not hype. Just go in knowing it is not luxury-tier, and some categories are stronger than others.
Is Quince Fast Fashion?
No. Quince uses quality materials like Mongolian cashmere, Italian leather, and organic cotton through a factory-direct model. It is not built for decade-long wear, but it sits well above fast fashion. Think smart middle ground.
Is Quince Good Quality?
The quality is what sold me on Quince. I don’t love shopping at places like Old Navy or Target super often since the quality doesn’t hold up as well as the pricier brands I own. Quince cashmere, denim, leather bags, and baby sleep essentials consistently impress me. Some tailored pieces and swimwear can be inconsistent, but overall the quality is strong for the price.
Does Quince Run True To Size?
Sizing varies by category. Cashmere, jeans and dresses run true to size for me. Trouser pants and shorts run small in the waist. Shoes run slightly large and activewear was inconsistent depending on the piece. For baby clothing, sizing up might be a good idea.
Return Policy
Quince has a hassle-free return policy, which makes trying out different sizes and styles easy. They offer free returns within 365 days, which is a huge plus.
Is Quince Worth It?
For wardrobe staples like cashmere, denim, and leather goods, absolutely. Just pay attention to fit notes in tailored pieces and swimwear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Quince delivers on its promise of affordable luxury. The cashmere sweaters, jeans, leather bags, and baby sleep sacks are standout purchases. Some categories require more attention to fit, but when you choose wisely, the value is hard to beat.
If $200 jeans or $250 sweaters are not in the budget right now, Quince is a smart, stylish alternative. Just come armed with the sizing tips above and you will do great.
Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
These cookies have a huge following. I learned about them from a friend who was kind enough to share one of her Brown Butter Chunk Cookies. They are soft, chewy, and rich. The company has over 80 artisan flavors, using only premium ingredients. They are currently having a 2-for-1 sale for some of their flavors. $8.50 ($12.50 regularly) for 2 packs.
My mother the Grammar Cop constantly corrected me when I was growing up whenever I began a sentence with a conjunction. I recently read an article that said never beginning a sentence with a conjunction is not a rule. I was shaken to my core. Could the Grammar Cop have been wrong? If you don’t believe me, here is the actual quote used –
“Starting sentences with a conjunction is perfectly OK in a grammatical sense, and it may even improve your writing”. If you are curious and itching to start your sentences with a conjunction whenever you want, read the in-depth article here. The author does admit, however, that it’s usually best not to start a sentence with a conjunction, but allowable in certain circumstances.
I’m finding that over the past five years, tipping norms have been changing fast and furiously. I think COVID made all of us reevaluate our tipping to be fairer to those who braved the pandemic to deliver our groceries, pharmacy orders and take out deliveries. Since then, there has been “tipflation”!
Recent tipping studies done by Bankrate in 2024 show that Americans tip less than I would have expected. Here are two of the most common tipping situations:
Sit-down restaurants: Tipping experts say we should tip between 15% – 20%. Studies show that 60% of Americans tip 15% or less for an average meal, and only 25% of those surveyed report tipping 20% or more.
Take-out deliveries: According to Bankrate’s survey, only 50% of people who order food delivery directly through restaurants or through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, tip their driver. When I order take-out delivery, I’m so happy that I don’t have to cook, or go pick it up, that I always tip. Here is a bit of inside knowledge I read about recently. Delivery drivers can often choose the orders they deliver and can see on the receipt how much the customer has tipped. Guess which orders get chosen first?
Dan Pink is worried about what the years of using tech devices might have done to our attention spans, and he wants to help us fix the problem. “Life was not made to be lived in 15 second increments”. Watch this 4.5-minute video and you’ll love him as much as I do.
Spring is calling, and so are the shorts Team LIY has rounded up that you’ll want to live in all season long! From classic denim to comfy pull-ons and workout-ready styles made for everything from morning walks to weekend errands, these are the shorts that check all the boxes: cute, comfortable, and easy to wear. These are the pairs you’ll be reaching for on repeat all spring and summer long. Cheers to sunshine season!
Madalen Duke and Mike Mac ignite pure adrenaline on “I See Red”
The Canadian artist Madalen Duke and producer Mike Mac reunite on “I See Red,” their second collaborative release under the Parasol Music label. The track is part of a Formula 1 campaign currently airing on Apple TV+, and from the very first second, it makes it clear that it was built to move at high speed.
“I See Red” works as a direct surge of adrenaline, opening with an unapologetically bold intro driven by tense synths, a solid electronic foundation, and a steady pulse that echoes the sound of an engine racing down the final straight. Madalen’s voice enters strong, powerful, and controlled, establishing a commanding presence that rides the intensity of the beat.
Madalen Duke, already known for her cinematic sound and placements in productions such as The Old Guard, Shameless, and Assassin’s Creed, maintains that aesthetic here while pushing it into more aggressive territory.
The creative spark for “I See Red” came directly from the production. When Madalen Duke heard the intro sound Mike Mac sent her, she felt an immediate surge of energy, associating it with the color red as a symbol of power and momentum. Rather than overthinking it, she trusted her instinctive reaction and let that emotion guide the lyrics, embracing a songwriting philosophy centered on feeling and intuition.
According to Mike, the collaboration flows naturally, with most of their writing sessions happening over FaceTime and Madalen recording her vocals independently. “I See Red” was developed and finished within hours, fueled by their shared love for high-impact electronic production and the idea of triggering an instant shift into another zone. He sees the track as the start of much more music to come from the duo.
The song comes from pure impulse, the feeling of pressing a button and activating another version of yourself. It places you at the edge, heart racing, eyes fixed on the finish line.
“I See Red” also reinforces Parasol Music’s identity as a label dedicated to music created for visual media. This is a song that is not only heard but also seen. It carries the structure of a campaign, a trailer, and an extreme competition sequence. That quality makes it effective within the Formula 1 context while also standing firmly as a strong single within both artists’ catalogs.
With “I See Red,” Madalen Duke and Mike Mac not only confirm that they work seamlessly as a creative duo but also elevate their partnership to a new level. While their version of “Don’t Cha” carried a bold aesthetic, this single solidifies their sound with authority. The production and vocal performance sustain tension until the very last second. “I See Red” arrives fast, hits hard, and makes it clear that both artists know exactly which buttons to push to ignite the engine.
Does tahini need to be refrigerated? Technically, no. Tahini is a shelf-stable product and does not require refrigeration after opening. But the honest answer is: it depends on how fast you go through a jar. If you use tahini weekly, the pantry is perfectly fine. If a jar sits for months at a time, the fridge will protect it significantly better.
Unlike most condiments, tahini does not have a clear refrigerate-after-opening rule stamped on the label. The spoilage risk is not bacteria. It is rancidity, which is driven by heat, light, and oxygen over time. That distinction changes the storage calculus entirely.
For spoilage signs and shelf life details, see the companion post: Does Tahini Go Bad? For the full pantry condiment picture, visit our Food Storage Guide.
Short Answer
Tahini does not need to be refrigerated, but refrigeration does extend quality, especially once the jar is open. Frequent users (a jar every 1 to 2 months) can store tahini in a cool, dark pantry without issue. Infrequent users are better off refrigerating. Either way: keep it away from heat and light, always seal it tightly, and always use a dry spoon.
Why Tahini Does Not Strictly Need Refrigeration
Tahini is classified as a shelf-stable food. According to the USDA FSIS, shelf-stable foods can be safely stored at room temperature because their composition does not support the bacterial growth that causes foodborne illness.
In tahini’s case, the reason is its extremely high fat content and very low moisture. Bacteria and mold need water to thrive. Tahini’s environment is too oily and too dry for most microbes to establish themselves. The spoilage risk is not biological. It is chemical. Specifically, it is oxidative rancidity: the sesame oils slowly breaking down when exposed to oxygen, heat, and light.
That is important because rancidity is slowed by cool temperatures, not eliminated by them. Refrigeration does not prevent rancidity forever. It just slows the process down considerably, buying you months of additional quality.
Pantry vs. Fridge: Which Is Right for You?
Keep it in the pantry if:
You use a jar within 1 to 2 months of opening
Your pantry is genuinely cool and dark (not near the stove or a sunny window)
You prefer a pourable, easy-to-stir consistency
Your label does not specifically say to refrigerate after opening
Refrigerate if:
A jar lasts you 3 months or more
Your kitchen runs warm or gets direct sunlight
You want to maximize shelf life after opening
Your label says to refrigerate after opening. Follow it
Soom Foods states on their website that they prefer storing tahini in the pantry for everyday use, treating it similarly to olive oil or natural peanut butter. They also note that refrigeration is a good choice for longer-term storage. This reflects the general consensus across most tahini producers: pantry is fine for active use, fridge is better for infrequent use.
The main reason people avoid refrigerating tahini is texture. Cold temperatures cause the sesame oils to thicken significantly, turning a pourable, silky paste into something dense and stiff that can be genuinely difficult to stir or scoop.
A few ways to manage this:
Let it come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before using. The paste softens noticeably.
Stir warm water into your bowl: not the jar, to thin the tahini you are using right now. A teaspoon at a time works well.
Use a hand blender or small food processor to re-emulsify a very thick or separated refrigerated jar.
Do not microwave the jar. Spot heating can cause uneven texture and degrade the oils at the hot spots.
What Your Label Is Actually Telling You
Tahini labels vary. Some say nothing about refrigeration. Others say “refrigerate after opening,” while some simply recommend “store in a cool, dry place” without specifying refrigeration.
If your label says to refrigerate after opening, follow it. The manufacturer designed their product with that recommendation in mind and it likely reflects something about the formulation or seed quality. If your label says “cool, dry place,” pantry storage with a well-sealed lid is the intent.
The USDA FSIS notes that best-by dates on shelf-stable products reflect peak quality rather than a safety cutoff. Tahini that has been stored properly and shows no signs of rancidity is generally still good past the printed date, regardless of storage method.
How to Store Tahini After Opening
Once you open a jar of tahini, the main goal is limiting its exposure to oxygen, heat, light, and moisture. The storage method matters less than getting those four basics right.
Pantry: Works well for frequent users. Keep the jar in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove and out of direct sunlight. Seal the lid tightly after every use and always use a dry spoon. Expect peak quality for 3 to 6 months.
Refrigerator: Better for infrequent users or if you want to extend quality beyond 6 months. The tradeoff is texture: refrigerated tahini thickens considerably. Let it warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before using, or stir a small amount of warm water into your portion bowl to loosen it.
Freezer: A good option for bulk purchases or a large jar you will not finish quickly. Freeze in small portions, thaw at room temperature, and stir well before using.
Regardless of where you store it: stir the jar well before each use to redistribute the separated oil, and write the opening date on the lid so you are not guessing later.
The Non-Negotiable Storage Rules
Whether you choose the pantry or the fridge, these rules apply either way:
Never store near the stove, oven, or dishwasher: heat is the main driver of rancidity.
Never store in direct sunlight: UV light breaks down the sesame oils faster.
Always use a dry spoon: moisture introduced into the jar can cause mold, which is rare with tahini but preventable.
Seal the lid tightly every single time: oxygen exposure drives rancidity regardless of temperature.
Stir well before each use: oil separation is normal; redistribute it evenly rather than pouring it off.
Can You Freeze Tahini?
Yes. Tahini freezes well and can last up to a year or longer in the freezer. It is a useful option if you buy in bulk or have a large jar you will not use quickly. Freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work well) for easy thawing. When you are ready to use it, thaw at room temperature and stir well. The texture comes back once it warms up.
Putting That Jar to Good Use
Staying on top of an open jar is the best storage strategy of all. A few ways to keep tahini moving:
Blended into sauces for gluten-free meals as a rich, protein-packed base
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tahini go bad if not refrigerated?
It can, but slowly. The risk is rancidity, not bacteria. Tahini stored in a cool, dark pantry with the lid sealed tightly can last 3 to 6 months after opening at peak quality. Exposure to heat or light speeds that timeline up significantly. For longer storage, the fridge is the better choice.
How long does tahini last in the fridge after opening?
Refrigerated tahini holds peak quality for 6 to 12 months after opening. It is often still good beyond that, but flavor and texture gradually decline. Check for rancidity (sharp, chemical smell or taste) rather than relying solely on the date.
Why does my tahini get so thick in the fridge?
Cold temperatures cause the sesame oils to thicken considerably. This is normal and not a sign of spoilage. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before using, or stir a small amount of warm water into your bowl to thin it out.
Should I stir tahini before putting it in the fridge?
Yes — give it a good stir before refrigerating so the oils and paste are evenly combined. This makes it easier to work with later and reduces the chance of a hard, separated layer forming at the bottom.
Can you store tahini at room temperature after opening?
Yes, as long as conditions are right: a genuinely cool, dark spot away from heat and light, tightly sealed lid, and a dry spoon every time. If your kitchen runs warm or you will not finish the jar within a couple of months, refrigeration is the safer choice.
What happens if you leave tahini out on the counter?
A counter away from heat and sunlight is fine short-term. A counter next to the stove, in direct sun, or in a warm kitchen will accelerate rancidity noticeably. Cool and dark is the key — not necessarily cold.