SKU: 69350046148
benne seed plant

benne seed plant Benne (Sesame) – UJAMAA SEEDS

Sale price$19.85 Regular price$22.05
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.51 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 10 - Aug 15

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

4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 29 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
Jules
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great facial wipes
Size: 1 Count (Pack of 25)
Love these facial wipes! I use the facial cleanser soap in the mornings so these are great getting makeup off before bed.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jonathan
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy, Gentle and Convenient
Size: 1 Count (Pack of 25)
These wipes are super convenient and easy to use. On days when I am exhausted and just want to crawl into bed without doing a full skincare routine, these are what I reach for. They remove makeup, sunscreen and dirt well without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry. I really like that they contain ceramides, which helps keep my skin feeling hydrated and balanced. Perfect for those nights you are just tired or want a quick cleansing after working out. They also don’t have a scent which is a plus for me.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2026
N
Verified Purchase
NanaJo
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Removes makeup quickly and conveniently without having to wash your face.
Size: 1 Count (Pack of 25)
First a little about me ... I am a 72 year old woman and I don't wear a lot of makeup. I did back in the 60's and 70's when Twiggy was a fashion icon, hot pants, white boots and London makeup was all the rage. Black and white cat eye eyeliner, long thick lashes and pale lip colors! I only wear makeup now when going out ... none at home. Covid also put a stop to daily makeup ... why wear makeup it you can't see your face!lol I like a natural look for my age. I wear a light dusting of Laura Geller's baked powder foundation or her liquid foundation. Starting with a primer, then foundation, some blush, and a natural colored lip gloss ... but no eye makeup. I am so envious 💚 of those who can wear the beautiful colored eye shadows, liners and long thick lashes!!! I unfortunately have had fibromyalgia for many years and it causes extreme dry eyes along with the medication I take for it. Any eye makeup is a waste of time for me as I will look like a raccoon 🦝 by the end of the day from rubbing my dry eyes!lol I was looking for a quick way to remove my makeup without soap and water. I live in Colorado and my skin is dry. Washing my face more than twice a day with soap & water drys my skin out. So I saw this and decided to give it a try. At first I wasn't sure if there was anything on the cloth when I pulled it from it's holder, but evidently there was because it removed all my makeup very easily with just one cloth. I did not have to apply a lot of pressure, just wiped my face softy all over. It didn't seem to dry out my skin on my face or leave a greasy feel behind either. My face even felt less dry when I woke up in the morning. I would imagine depending on how much makeup you wear or what kind, may affect how many wipes you would need. I can see it being very useful for getting rid of eye makeup, but it does say if you get it in your eyes to rinse your eyes thoroughly with water. For me it is a good buy so far. I will update as I continue using it and how my skin feels. 5 out of 5 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 UPDATE: I used this to remove my oil based face paint that I used for my halloween makeup this year (I was a scarecrow) and it came off very nicely. I did use 2 cloths though just to make sure I left no paint residue behind.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
C
Verified Purchase
Carol B
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for Recovery Nights, Unscented and Budget Friendly
At 52 with combination skin, this cream is exactly what I need for deeper hydration, but not every day. It is rich and nourishing, so I use it strategically, mainly on recovery nights or when my skin needs extra support. It works especially well after retinol or exfoliation nights, helping to restore moisture and support the skin barrier. By morning, my skin feels soft, smooth, and well hydrated without irritation. Because it is a thicker cream, I prefer to use it once or a few times a week rather than daily so it does not feel too heavy on combination skin. Used this way, it performs very well. I also appreciate that Good Molecules products are unscented and very affordable, which makes it easy to build a routine that actually works without overspending. Great option if you want a richer moisturizer for targeted hydration and barrier repair.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cat R
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great value moisturizer for sensitive skin
As someone with rosacea and easily irritated, sensitive skin, I’m always nervous trying new skincare. If you’re in the same boat, this is absolutely the moisturizer to look into. This formula is incredibly light but still genuinely hydrating. It doesn’t feel heavy, greasy, or suffocating. It absorbs beautifully and leaves my skin calm and comfortable instead of red or burning. It gives the prettiest soft, dewy glow without looking shiny. One of my favorite things? It layers perfectly under makeup. My foundation doesn’t slide around or separate - it stays put while still looking fresh and radiant. It’s that ideal balance of hydrated but not slick. I also love that it comes in a tube instead of a jar. No dipping fingers into a tub (huge plus for sensitive, reactive skin). And you truly only need a small amount - a little goes a long way
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2026

recommand products