SKU: 69350046148
benne seed plant

benne seed plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDS

Sale price$19.85 Regular price$22.05
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 14 - Jul 19

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

benne seed 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: 69350046148

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell benne seed plant

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 230 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
S
Verified Purchase
SnowshoePete
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
My 90 lb. Pitbull's All-Time Fave Toy
Size: Large, Color: Coral, Size: Large, Color: Coral
I ordered a plethora of new toys for Bruce to keep him occupied while I am working remotely from home. Poor guy gets so bored while I'm stuck in front of my computer 8+ hours a day. All the other toys are animated, but this one is just a big floppy chewy squeaky toy. Bruce quickly lost interest in all the other chirping, hopping, and twirling toys and fell in love with "Diny". When I opened Diny and gave it to Bruce, he had the elated and surprised look of a 3 yr old at Christmas. And he stayed that happy for hours, and then each time he picked up Diny to play. Diny became his go-to toy over all others (and there are many!). It is well made out of durable fabric, and they did not stuff it full of kapoc (I hate kapoc in dogs toys!). And it is delightfully low-tech. Normally he tears a squeaky toy apart as soon as he can isolate the squeaky mechanism. But cleverly, the squeaky box is loose in the long belly so it moves from one end to the other as the toy is handled. That made it difficult for Bruce to locate it. The toy remained in good condition for 2 weeks of near constant attention by Bruce. But yesterday he zeroed in on the squeaky box and ripped Diny to shreds. I was sad to see Diny go so soon. But boy-howdy was Bruce happy with it. I'm gonna buy another because we liked it so much. And so did I : )
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
J
Verified Purchase
Jason W
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
This is one “under the radar” gem!!
Size: Large, Color: Coral
This is one “under the radar” gem!! Very strong internal squeaker and way tougher than it looks. My big 125lb Shepard-Husky mix gave it heck, then made it his new buddy. He’ll occasionally give it the business but on the whole, it’s surprisingly tough and my big boy loves it. Nice price!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
H
Verified Purchase
H
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute but small
Size: Large, Color: Skinny Green
Cute stuffy and has not yet ripped. While my dogs plays with it, the toy is a bit small for him. For reference he is 120lbs.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jenny J
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
My Puppy Loves this Indestructible Dragon
Size: Large, Color: Pink, Size: Large, Color: Pink
My puppy (8 month old black lab mix) loves, loves, loves her dragon. She has had it for 2 months now. It is one of her favorites and gets daily rough play time. It's her go-to toy for fetch and tug games, as well as just general mouthy play. The squeaker gave out after about 4 weeks, but she would binge squeak for prolonged periods (kind of like chomping on gum) so it was almost a blessing when it went silent. She still chomps on it, but at least now I don't have to hear it. Other than the fact that it's a little grungy and bedraggled from so much loving, it is still in amazing shape. The seams and fur are all still intact. There are no visible holes, rips, or weak spots. I love Chew Guard Technology. This dragon replaced her goDog Iguana (from PetSmart) that developed a tear in the fur after about 4 months of heavy use. (It was superficial, just the outer fur layer and not the innards, but we disposed of it before she could eat more fur.) She can be pretty rough on her toys and I can never predict if any given toy will last minutes or months. The goDog stuffies definitely fall into the "months" category, even with rough daily use. Edit: The dragon lasted about 6 months of intensive, hard play before it developed a small tear in the fur. I patched it a couple times, but once my pup discovers a weak spot, it's the kiss of death for any stuffed item. We had to dispose of the dragon (so sad) to keep her from eating any more of the fur. We replaced the dragon with the goDog Chameleon, which is still going strong. I think we will go back to the dragon for our next toy because it's just so darned cute. We gave the dragon to my niece for her golden retriever puppy who is very chew-happy. That dragon is also doing well. You've just gotta love that chew-guard technology. This is one tough toy.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2015
M
Verified Purchase
Mother of two
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Precious toy for big dogs too
Size: Large, Color: Skinny Green
Not only is this toy cute and fun, but material is thick and durable even for my crazy GSP who is a destruction artist. This is, the favorite toy his go to in the toy box.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026

recommand products