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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SKU: 42827100805

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4.7 ★★★★★
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Emily S.
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Simple! Easy! All We Needed!!
Size: Large Triple
These were the only durable rubber like rings that were both the same material; not too thick (not heavy) so my 1 year old Pit, Dixie, was able to latch on to one ring while we grabbed the third ring, leaving enough space so she won't accidentally bite us when grabbing the rings to play. They were also the only ones that came interlocked and cannot be taken apart. She is also a big chewer, which means she can gnaw on these without tearing them apart. The rubber is thick enough to play, but thin enough to twist and flex with her. So far, they are sturdy. She was immediately so excited! Simple and easy!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cindy
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Great durable dog toy!!
Size: Large Triple
We have a medium-sized dog (45 lb mixed Aussie/Hound) who is a pretty aggressive chewer. He also loves playing tug-of-war with his canine and human siblings using these rings. This is easily his favorite toy. We bought one a little over a year ago that he plays with daily. If finally broke this December just in time to buy a replacement for Christmas! The prior one finally broke when the middle ring came apart at one of the thinner rubber points. He still plays with the intact outer rings as well as his new toy. I wanted to dock this 1/2 star for a few reasons: 1) it is not completely invincible, although I would argue a toy that lasts over a year with pretty constant play for an $11 price tag is a great value. 2) the one we received is not yellow/black. It is blue/green. I was personally thrilled it was blue/green because it ended up being an exact replacement of the one we had previously. However the description does not say "colors vary" and it was hard for me to tell when ordering if I was ordering the correct replacement toy. A clearer description would be appreciated. 3) This is a great toy for one dog, but our other dobbie/cattle dog mix has no interest in them. So not all dogs will love this toy (obviously). 4.5 stars isn't an option so I'm giving this 5 stars because it's just about as close to a perfect dog toy as one can buy (at least for our dog).
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2016
M
Verified Purchase
Mike S.
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Great toy, as long as dog is NOT ALLOWED to chew on it
Size: Large Triple
Let me start by saying that I like this dog toy. My big dog LOVES tugging with it. As long as you keep away when the dog is in a chewing mood, it lasts a long time (my 1st one lasted a year), however, it WILL NOT last if the dog chews on it, as I found out with this one. A friends dog chewed on it while she was behind a snow mound (mostly out of our sight) when it was only a week old. One end ring was barely holding together when we discovered her chewing it. Fortunately it was an end ring, so I still have 2 connected rings for tugging with. It is a great tug toy! But it is also a TERRIBLE chew toy, so make sure to take it away when your dog starts to chew on it and it will give you long service.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2021
C
Verified Purchase
Charla Leeson
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Fabulous toy!!
Size: Large Triple
My GSD is always up for a good game of tug-o-war. I purchased these in large and I think I love them as much as my dog. They are super strong and hold up to his 100lb self pulling on one end and my “blah blah-lb” self pulling on the other. (Ha! You thought I would say how much I weigh) I even bought another pair for our cabin so we have some to play with at both places. He isn't a sit and chew on things kind of dog. He gets plenty of playtime and bully sticks for chewing. Not to mention that I wouldn't let him use them as a chew toy anyway. There are toys for play and toys for chew. Therefore, I cant say anything on how they hold up for chewers. So if you let your dog just sit and chew on it instead of giving them something designed for strong chewers, then no it might not hold up to that. All I can say is my German Shepherd is 100lbs with sharp teeth and stronger than me now and honestly he is probably stronger than I have ever been in my life, and they hold up to the pulling and tugging of both of us. Thats what they're designed for and they serve their purpose excellently.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Justmy2centsworth
Houston, US
★★★★★ 1
Won't purchase this one again.
Size: Large Triple
J.W. used to make a ring toy such as this, that was softer & thicker with a smaller black ring in the middle, that our dogs all, absolutely loved!!!!! But this one totally bores them to the point none of the dogs will pay it any attention! Please bring back the original 3 ring toy, that J.W. has now changed to just the one ring! I feel like they must have discontinued the toy with the 3 rings they used to sell, with the smaller black ring in the middle? I won't waist my $ on another one of these! Sadly, none of our 3 dogs will play with this specific toy at all! & I generally prefer to purchase J.W. brand toys for our dogs. But this toy doesn't attract them in anyway. It just sits around.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026

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