What Are Sesame Seeds? Everything You Need to Know About Them!

You’ve probably sprinkled them on top of your bagel, tossed them into a stir-fry, or admired their glossy appearance atop a loaf of bread. But sesame seeds are more than just a garnish; they’re an ancient and versatile ingredient that adds depth and dimension to many dishes. Whether you're cooking a Middle Eastern mezze or a simple bowl of hummus, sesame seeds have been quietly making food more exciting for thousands of years. Let’s take a closer look at these tiny, yet mighty, seeds and uncover what makes them so special.

What Are Sesame Seeds?

Sesame seeds are the edible seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant, a flowering plant in the Pedaliaceae family that’s been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Despite their petite size, sesame seeds pack a punch in terms of flavor and versatility. They come in two main varieties: the traditional white sesame seed, which is most common, and the slightly nuttier, more robust black sesame seed. While both types are often used interchangeably, the black variety tends to have a slightly earthier flavor, and the white variety is milder and more delicate.

Though sesame seeds are small, they are often packed into oil form, making them a key player in everything from cooking to dressing salads to making sauces like tahini. But in their whole seed form, they’re equally prized for their ability to add crunch, texture, and flavor to a wide range of dishes. They’re tiny seeds with a huge culinary presence.

What Do Sesame Seeds Taste Like?

The taste of sesame seeds is often described as nutty, slightly sweet, and pleasantly toasted. Their mild yet distinctive flavor is not overpowering but adds a lovely depth to any dish they’re in. The toasted sesame seed is especially prized for its more developed, warm, and slightly smoky flavor. It’s this subtle complexity that makes them a great complement to savory dishes like stir-fries, salads, or noodle bowls, but they also shine in sweeter treats, like sesame brittle or Asian-inspired desserts. Their flavor may be delicate, but once you’ve tasted them in a dish, you’ll quickly realize they’re anything but forgettable.

The Origins of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have ancient roots, stretching back to Africa and Asia. The plant itself is believed to have originated in the regions around the Indian subcontinent, and over time, it spread to the Mediterranean and beyond. Historically, sesame seeds were regarded as a symbol of immortality and were used in religious ceremonies in ancient civilizations. In fact, the phrase "Open Sesame" from One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) refers to the mythical ability of sesame to open doors to treasures. While it’s a tale of magic and mystery, it reflects just how prized these seeds have been throughout history.

Today, sesame seeds are grown in many parts of the world, with top producers including India, China, and Africa. Their ability to thrive in both hot and dry climates has made them a staple crop in many regions, and they’ve remained a culinary constant across multiple cultures for thousands of years.

How to Use Sesame Seeds in the Kitchen

If you’ve ever tasted tahini (the smooth, nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds), you’ve had a flavor glimpse of what sesame can bring to the table. But sesame seeds themselves—whether toasted or raw—are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

In savory dishes, sesame seeds can be used to add crunch and flavor. Think about them sprinkled on a salad or mixed into a vinaigrette. They’re also the perfect addition to stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes, where their crunchy texture provides a contrast to tender veggies or meat. Their nutty taste works wonderfully with everything from soy sauce to ginger to garlic.

For baked goods, sesame seeds are often found topping breads, bagels, and rolls. They add a light crunch and nutty depth, and their mild flavor complements the doughy softness of freshly baked goods perfectly. Try making your own sesame-crusted bread at home and marvel at the nutty crunch with every bite.

In desserts, sesame seeds shine in their roasted form. They’re key to making tili, an Indian sweet, or sesame brittle—a crispy, sweet treat with toasted sesame seeds and caramelized sugar. The seeds are even ground into sesame paste for use in cookies and cakes.