Family: Pedaliaceae
Scientific name: Sesamum indicum
Common name: Sesam
Origin: India

Sesam is the oldest species known to be cultivated for its oil, and has been domesticated for at least 3000 of years. The species is originally from India, but is nowadays grown in many tropical areas for its edible oil-rich seeds. The seeds consist for about 50% of oil which is comparable to sunflower oil. Myanmar is currently the biggest producer of sesam. The annual plant grows up to a height of 1 meter, is quite drought tolerant. After the pinky white flowers, small fruits are formed that burst open after ripening. The small seeds can vary from dark to lighter colors.

Sowing description: During springtime the seeds can be sown at room temperature, after which they can be replaced to a greenhouse or garden (in a proper summer).

Sowing time: February – may
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: (annual)