Food Facts, Food information, and Tips!



The world of cooking has many legends, rumors and myths. We are trying to gather all the facts and present them to you.



Tell Us a Fact or Myth/Rumor



Sesame Seed : Quick Overview



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 probably 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 slightest 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.