Sesame

Sesame is one of the oldest oil crops in the world. The small seeds are often seen on the surface of breads, hamburger buns, cakes or cookies.

Names

Scientific
   Sesamum indicum
Synonym
   Sesamum orientale
English
   Sesame
   Simsim
Dutch
   Sesam
Spanish
   Ajonjolí
   Sésamo
French
   Sésame
German
   Sesam
Italian
   Sesamo

Taxonomy

Genus
   Sesamum
Family
   Pedaliaceae
Order
   Lamiales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

India

Distribution:

Grown in many tropical countries. Important producers of Sesame are India, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Annual

Flowers:

The tubular flowers are 3 to 5 cm long and have a four-lobed mouth. Flowers are yellow, white, blue or purple.

Fruits:

Sesame is grown for its edible seeds, which grow in pods. The fruits are 2 to 8 cm long and 0.5 to 2 cm wide. Seeds are small and often have a white color, but the color may vary (e.g. brown, reddish, gray and black.) depending on the variety. Usually the seeds are 3 or 4 millimeters long, about 2 millimeters wide and 1 millimeter thick.

Climate and weather:

Sesame is a tropical crop. It is very drought-tolerant.

Pollination:

Height:

Plants are usually between 50 and 100 cm tall.

Spacing:

Propagation:

Propagated by seed.

Insect pests:

Diseases:

Uses:

Seeds are edible. They are used for example in baking bread (such as hamburger buns), cakes or cookies. Seeds are also used to give taste in various dishes throughout the world.
Sesame seeds are also used to produce oil which is used for cooking in various cuisines.