Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are small, oil-rich seeds that grow in pods on the flowering sesame plant, one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity. Native to sub-Saharan Africa and India, sesame seeds are prized for their nutty flavor, rich oil content, and high nutritional value. They come in various colors—white, black, brown, and red—each with distinct taste and oil composition.

These seeds are widely used in cooking, baking, and traditional medicine, and are a major source of sesame oil, which is valued for its stability and antioxidant properties. In addition to being a staple in Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cuisines, sesame seeds are also recognized for their health benefits, being a rich source of protein, healthy fats, calcium, and lignans like sesamin.