Sesame seed is the seed of the sesame plant (Sesamum indicum).  The plant is an annual herb with foxglove-like flowers that produce pods containing the edible sesame seeds. The pods burst open with a pop when the seeds are mature.

The seed has numerous uses, one of which is it’s being a very good source of vegetable oil that contains no cholesterol, making it the most demanded vegetable oil in the world. Benin has been one of the highest sesame seed producing countries over the years, making the seed a very important component of the country’s agricultural export.

Tropical areas are where the seeds are mainly cultivated. Due to the drought-resistant nature of the sesame plant, it thrives excellently in the Northern part of the country and averagely in some parts of South West.

1. Hulled Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds have an exterior coat that can be removed. This coat is also known as the hull or the husk. The hulled sesame seeds are seeds with the hulls removed.  The hulled seeds have a milder flavour that is nuttier than it is bitter.
2. Unhulled Sesame Seeds: The unhulled sesame seeds are those still in their natural state, which have their husk or hulls intact and not removed. Unhulled seeds have a crunchier texture compared with hulled seeds and may have a slightly more bitter flavour.