Sesame seed is a diverse crop with a rich and colourful history and a variety of uses. It is the oldest known oilseed plant in history and one of the oldest cultivated plants known to mankind. It was highly prized in Babylon and Assyria at least 4,000 years ago. 

In appearance, Sesame seed comes in different colours, such as creamy white, black, red, brown and tan. The white and other lighter-coloured sesame seeds are common in Europe, the Americas, West Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The black and darker-coloured sesame seeds are mostly produced in China and Southeast Asia.

There are different views and opinions about the actual origin of this genus because of its different species. The wild species Sesamum are native to sub-Saharan Africa and the cultivated type is said to have originated in India. However, ancient religious history associates its origin with Ethiopia; in the sub-Saharan Africa region. While some other Archeological reports claim that sesame seeds were present in Egypt in 1350 BC.

                  

Irrespective of its origin, it will interest you to know that Sesame seeds and its products are good sources of vitamins C and E, calcium and unsaturated fatty acids.

The major producers of Sesame seeds are Sudan, Myanmar, India, China and Nigeria. The health advantages of sesame oil, which is made from sesame seeds, and its adaptability as a flavouring component are widely known. It accounts for more than 14% of all exports globally, making it the second-largest export crop after coffee.

Sesame seed is a valuable cash crop. Sudan, Myanmar, Tanzania, India, China, and Nigeria produced 7 million metric tons (6,900,000 long tons; 7,700,000 short tons) of sesame seeds in 2020 with Sudan first on the list, producing 755,567.11 tonnes. 

Useful Links: 

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualiz

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