sesame seed

food

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

bagel Bagels with poppy and sesame seeds.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an annual plant cultivated for its seeds, which have been used as food and flavoring since antiquity. The seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and are a significant source of protein, thiamin, and vitamin B6. They are also rich in oil, typically making up 44-60% of the seed, and this oil is known for its stability and resistance to rancidity.12

Historically, sesame seeds were used in various ways, from being ground into flour by ancient Egyptians to being a component of spreads by the Romans. Today, sesame oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, soaps, and pharmaceuticals, while the whole seeds are a staple in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, often appearing in baked goods and confections like halvah.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

sesame
…grown since antiquity for its seeds, which are used as food and flavoring and from which a prized oil is extracted. Widely cultivated, the sesame plant is found in most of the tropical, subtropical, and southern temperate areas of the world. The aroma and taste of sesame seed are mild…
Read More
…grown since antiquity for its seeds, which are used as food and flavoring and from which a prized oil is extracted. Widely cultivated, the sesame plant is found in most of the tropical, subtropical, and southern temperate areas of the world. The aroma and taste of sesame seed are mild…
Read More