General Description
Sesame Seed is the seed of an annual herb, Sesamum indicum, which grows well in hot climates. Sesame Seed is the most commonly produced seed. The yellowish, red or black seeds are used in bread products, stir-fries, Jewish and Chinese confectionaries, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Geographical Sources
Africa and Indonesia
Traditional Ethnic Uses
Sesame Seed has been enjoyed by humans since the dawn of civilization. It is used in breads, candies, main dishes, as a garnish on pasta and vegetables and for its oil content.
Taste and Aroma
Sesame Seeds have a nut like, mild flavor.
History/Region of Origin
Sesame Seed is probaly the oldest crop grown for its taste, dating back 2000 years to China. The Egyptians used Sesame Seed as medicine around the same time. The Turks used its oil in 900 BC. The term "open sesame" first appeared in the Arabian book "The Thousand and One Nights". The phrase refers to the seeds' ability to pop, at the sligtest touch, when ripe. Sesame was imported from India to Europe during the first century. Persians used sesame oil because they had no olive oil. Africans, who called it "benne", brought it with them to the United States in the 17th century during the slave trade.
