SKU: 20333935026
white sesame seeds plant

white sesame seeds plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDS

Sale price$24.07 Regular price$26.74
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 13 - Jul 18

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

white sesame seeds plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDSSesamum indicum Seeds per packet ~ 125 Germination: 94% Oct 2025, Packed for 2026 Origins and History Benne, also known as sesame (Sesamum indicum), is one of the worlds oldest oilseed crops, with domestication traced back over 3,000 years to Africa and India. Believed to have originated in India, and domesticated in Africa since at least the time of the Pharaohs. Even today, the east African nation of Sudan produces the largest crop of sesame seeds.

Sesamum indicum

Seeds per packet ~ 125

Germination: 94%  Oct 2025, Packed for 2026

Origins and History

Benne, also known as sesame (Sesamum indicum), is one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, with domestication traced back over 3,000 years to Africa and India.  Believed to have originated in India, and domesticated in Africa since at least the time of the Pharaohs. Even today, the east African nation of Sudan produces the largest crop of sesame seeds. It traveled across trade routes into the Middle East and Asia, where it became an integral part of food and culture.

In the Americas, benne was brought through the transatlantic slave trade, particularly to the Carolinas, where African-descended people cultivated it and preserved traditional uses. Today, heirloom benne is celebrated as a culturally meaningful seed, especially in African American foodways and Southern heritage cuisine. The term "benne," comes from the Gullah-Geechee people (descendants of formerly enslaved people who developed a unique culture living in relative isolation on the Sea Islands of Georgia and South Carolina.

Appearance and Characteristics

The benne plant is an upright annual reaching 2–4 feet tall, with lance-shaped green leaves and delicate tubular flowers that can be white to pale pink. After pollination, the plant produces slender, oblong pods filled with small, flat seeds that can range in color from ivory to tan, brown, or black. Seeds are highly aromatic, with heirloom benne often noted for its richer, more complex flavor compared to modern sesame.

Culinary Uses

Benne seeds are prized for their nutty taste and versatility. They can be eaten raw, toasted, or pressed for oil. In African American traditions, heirloom benne is used in breads, stews, rice dishes, and notably in “benne wafers,” a signature sweet of the Lowcountry. The seeds also enrich sauces, garnish vegetables, and add protein and depth to both savory and sweet dishes. Unlike some modern sesame, heirloom benne retains its bold aroma and flavor after cooking. Sesame benne seeds are a common ingredient in Southern cuisine, especially in dishes from the Lowcountry region. They are often toasted to enhance their flavor and used in a variety of recipes, such as: cookies, rice, grits, salads, and seasoning.

Growing Tips

Benne thrives in warm climates and performs well in USDA Zones 7–11, though it can be grown as a summer annual in cooler regions. Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after danger of frost, at a depth of about ¼ inch, spacing plants 6–12 inches apart. The crop prefers full sun and tolerates drought once established, though consistent moisture during early growth ensures strong stands. It grows best in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, making it suitable for many Southern gardens.

Harvesting Guidance

Benne is typically ready to harvest 90–120 days after sowing. As the pods mature, they dry and split open, releasing seeds—a process called “shattering.” To prevent loss, harvest just before pods fully split, cutting stems and allowing them to dry upside down in bundles over a cloth to catch the falling seeds. Once dry, seeds can be shaken or threshed free, cleaned, and stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, heirloom benne seeds retain their flavor and viability for several years.

 

Botanical Origins of Sesamun indicum

Sesamum indicum, commonly known as sesame, is one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. Its wild relatives are distributed primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent. The most probable center of origin is thought to be Africa, where several wild Sesamum species still grow, particularly in Ethiopia. However, genetic and archaeological evidence also points to an early secondary center of domestication in the Indian subcontinent, where the species has been cultivated for millennia. The crop’s drought tolerance and adaptability to marginal soils contributed to its early success as a dependable source of edible oil.

History of Domestication

Domestication of Sesamum indicum likely occurred over 3,000 years ago. Archaeological remains from the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500–2000 BCE) suggest sesame was already under cultivation in ancient India, where it may have been domesticated from the wild species S. mulayanum. In ancient Mesopotamia, sesame oil was valued both for cooking and for ritual uses, indicating its early trade and cultural significance. The plant’s small seeds, high oil content (up to 60%), and relatively easy extraction process made it a vital early oilseed crop. Selective cultivation favored non-shattering seed pods, increased seed size, and improved oil quality.

Spread and Diversification

From its centers of domestication, sesame spread widely through early trade routes. It reached China by at least 2000 BCE, where it was used in traditional medicine and culinary preparations. Ancient Egyptian records also reference sesame as a food and medicinal oil, and the Greeks and Romans later adopted it into their diets. Over centuries, Sesamum indicum diversified into numerous landraces and varieties adapted to local climates—ranging from black and brown to white-seeded forms—each associated with distinct cultural and culinary uses. Today, sesame is cultivated in more than 70 countries, with major production centers in India, China, Sudan, Myanmar, and Nigeria. Its genetic diversity reflects centuries of human selection for flavor, seed color, oil content, and adaptability, making it both an ancient and continually evolving crop of global significance.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 20333935026

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell white sesame seeds plant

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 2490 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Border Collie Approved: Easy to Clean, Durable, and Great Bounce
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 2
These are the best balls out there for dogs. These fit great in the chuck-it ball launcher, which we need to wear out my border collie. They fit her mouth properly and, most importantly, do not absorb all the spit or water after a good rain. They are quick to clean off and have good weight so you can let them fly! Furthermore, they bounce well, which is perfect for my dog that likes to catch them on a bounce. The ball is a strong rubber, so should not be easy to chew up. I've used these for years, and the only time I've had to replace them is when one gets lost in the hay field. I highly suggest these as replacements for the common tennis balls.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
maxine
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Heavy duty.
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 2
My dog was not interested, but it’s a good product
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
M Denise
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Treats and plenty of ball throwing with these doggie toy
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1
I have actually purchased these twice already. I love the one that glows in the dark but it still got lost in my yard lol. My dog is a big breed half pitt/Labrador so she did chew through one of them already. I play ball with her every single day but I DO have to take them away from her because she will destroy them. They are great to add in treats as well, that was one of the my favorite things about them as well. They do last just if you have an over zealous chewer do not let them keep them for long periods of time. They are a good value for the price. Buy them your dog will love it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2025
W
Verified Purchase
Who Let the Dogs Out
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
My Female GSD loves
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1, Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1
Shasta is my smallest. Six in December (2025) along with her brother. She’s 100 lbs and outside, completely ball driven see last picture. Don’t let the size (2.5”) of these Chuck-It balls deter you. If your larger Breed dog has any orthopedic issues, has already torn their ACL etc, one has arthritis but wants to play. This size is perfect! Shazzy was born with several ortho issues. I don’t throw balls distance but right to her. This size and lighter weight assure even when Shazzy is spazzy w excitement, she’ll catch the ball mid air. The green balls are softer, and glow in the dark. In summer we can play well past dusk and I can see them! Her personality shows in the pictures. Playing ball is part of her. These balls are just perfect for her situation. Somehow they disappear, she loves making baskets, puts them in my tractor bucket, or my gardening bucket..then get put in burn pile, trash etc. I keep replacing them because she’d look day and night if we actually ran out!! 🙏✝️👍🏼👍🏼
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
S
Verified Purchase
Stephanie Dutey
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally a Toy My Pitbull Hasn’t Destroyed in 5 Minutes
Color: Blue+Red, Color: Blue+Red
I have a 65 lb pitbull who destroys most toys almost immediately, so I’m always skeptical when products claim to be “indestructible.” Most toys last maybe a few minutes in my house before pieces are everywhere. These have actually held up surprisingly well. The material feels durable and thick enough to handle really aggressive chewing, and so far my dog hasn’t been able to destroy them like he does with most other balls and squeaky toys. That alone makes these worth it to me. I also really like the size. They’re large enough that I don’t have to constantly worry about him accidentally swallowing them or choking while playing, which is a huge plus for bigger dogs. The squeaker inside also keeps him interested longer since he usually gets bored quickly with toys that don’t make noise or bounce around well. If you have a strong chewer or larger dog and you’re tired of replacing destroyed toys constantly, these are definitely worth trying.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026

recommand products