Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Common names: benniseed, beni, benne Sesame, one of the oldest and most important oilseeds known to man, has been cultivated in numerous parts of the world for over 4,000 years. It is desired for its highly stable oil contents, rich and nutritious protein, carbohydrate and fat content and savory nutty flavor. Consequently, it is an important source of food and oil. While sesame is primarily used as a source of oil for cooking, it is also used in the preparation of a wide range of food products (such as halva, tahini, bread, bread sticks, cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, chocolate, ice cream among others). Sesame also has medicinal applications with sesame oil being sometimes used for the medicinal treatment of ulcers and burns.
