benne seed plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDS
SKU: 42827100805
benne seed plant

benne seed plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDS

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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.

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Amazon Customer
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Good size, looks nice, mostly easy to put together and install
Okay I love this a lot more than I expected to. I was not extremely excited about the instructions. They come with a warning that if you have any doubts about your ability to install this, call a qualified technician. It just seemed condescending. Also, everything is printed poorly, like someone put this together in the 80's and it printed smudgingly and this is the copies from that. The only thing that this made confusing was when trying to figure out where the cabinet screws go (before I realized that was an alternative install), you really can't tell which holes they go in. Turns out they probably go in the holes covered by the pre-installed sticky PVC mat. Only other issue I had was that it comes with a screwdriver. It seems so wasteful to include something that should be in every household, especially those who buy diy things like this. But beyond that, everything else is great. It was easy to put together, it was easy to place in the cupboard, and it was easy to fill. I love that each line comes out individually. It's nice and sturdy. I tried pulling on it to test it, and the sticky was strong. I mostly loved that, even though this took up 3/4 of the shelf, I was able to fit all my small spices AND my honey AND my sprinkles. I went from 3 overflowing shelves to 2 full shelves and an almost empty one. I only have 6 items on the top. I feel super happy about this.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2026
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Amy
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product! :)
Color: 01-silver
It looks great and work very smoothly on our kitchen counter.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
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Thomas J Standeven
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Very fuctional
Color: 01-silver
Very stylish and functional, the suction cups hold it in place
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
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Jacki Torres
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 4
Functional and Good Quality
Color: 01-silver, Color: 01-silver
I give this SMARTAKE paper towel holder 4 stars. Overall, it's a very good product that I would recommend, but it has one minor drawback that takes away a star. The Positives Quality and Stability: The holder feels good quality, and the material (steel) is sturdy. Once placed on the counter, it's stable and adheres well to the surface. Assembly and Use: It was easy to put together; just read the instruction manual. I confirm that it works well even with large paper towel rolls. Furthermore, it's not difficult to change the roll at all. The Drawback The only problem is the small mechanism that's supposed to adjust and hold the roll (the piece that prevents it from twisting too much). As the paper gets used up, this piece doesn't do its job properly, and the paper unwinds more than it should. Conclusion: If you're looking for a modern, stable, and well-made holder for your kitchen, this is excellent. Just keep in mind that the adjuster isn't the best, but other than that, it does its job perfectly.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2025
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Patty C
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable and nice look
Color: 02-black
Nice quality and nice look for our kitchen
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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