Sesame is a flowering plant species belonging to the Pedeliaceae family, (Sesamum indicum) Sesamum, native to Africa. It has many wild relatives in Africa and fewer in India. It is widely grown in the tropics around the world for its edible seeds, which are naturalized and grown in seed pods. World production in 2018 was 6 million tons, with Sudan, Myanmar and India being the largest producers. Sesame seed is one of the oldest known oil crops and was domesticated more than 3000 years ago. There are many other species of "Sesamum", most of which are wild and endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. S. indicum, the cultivated variety, originated in India and is tolerant of drought-like conditions growing where other crops fail. Sesame is one of the highest oil content seeds. It is a common ingredient in cuisines around the world with a rich, nutty flavor. Like other seeds and foods, it can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
It is cultivated in the hot regions of Asia, Europe and Turkey. Capsule fruits contain many seeds and these are used as a spice. Bagels and donuts are placed on them. Sesame is the main ingredient of tahini.