What's another name for sesame seeds? Exploring Benne, Til, and More

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Cultivated for over 5,000 years, sesame is one of the world's oldest oilseed crops, prized for its flavor and oil. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "What's another name for sesame seeds?", you’ll discover that this versatile ingredient is known by many names depending on the region and context.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various common and regional names for sesame seeds, including benne seeds, til, and gingelly, and discusses their different culinary applications and characteristics.

Key Points

Benne Seed: A common name for sesame, particularly in the American South, tracing back to its West African origins.
Til: The name used for sesame seeds throughout India and South Asia, featured in many traditional sweets and rituals.
Gingelly: An alternative term for sesame, especially for the oil pressed from the seeds in South Asia.
Simsim: A name for sesame used in parts of the Middle East and Africa, famously linked to the phrase "open sesame".
Goma: The Japanese name for sesame seeds, which are a central component in condiments like gomasio and tahini-like pastes.
Hulled vs. Unhulled: The presence of the hull determines the flavor and nutritional profile, with unhulled seeds having a stronger taste and higher mineral content.
Versatile Uses: Beyond a simple seed garnish, sesame is processed into oil, tahini paste, and used in various confections and medicinal applications.

Regional and Common Names for Sesame Seeds

The humble sesame seed holds a prominent place in cuisines worldwide, and with that global reach comes a variety of names. While 'sesame' is the most widely recognized term, other names are used regularly, especially in specific regions or cultures. Understanding these different names can help in exploring new recipes and ingredients from diverse culinary traditions.

Benne and Benniseed

The term "benne seed" or "benniseed" is a popular alternative, particularly in the American South and parts of Africa. It is derived from the Bambara and Wolof languages of West Africa and was brought to North America by enslaved people. In the past, it was a staple crop in the region, and its rich history is still celebrated in certain dishes and confectionery, such as benne wafers.

Til and Til Ke Beej

In India and throughout South Asia, sesame seeds are commonly known as "til" or "til ke beej". This name has deep cultural and religious significance, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit and Ayurvedic texts for its medicinal and culinary properties. Til is a key ingredient in many traditional Indian sweets like 'til ke laddu' and 'gajak', especially popular during festivals like Makar Sankranti.

Gingelly

The name "gingelly" is another common term for sesame, particularly in South Asia. The oil extracted from sesame seeds is often referred to as gingelly oil in these regions, used extensively for cooking, medicinal purposes, and rituals.

Simsim

In some Middle Eastern and African countries, the name "simsim" is used. The famous magical phrase "open sesame" is believed to reference the bursting open of the sesame seed pods when ripe, a detail popularized by the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba.

Goma

In Japan, sesame seeds are called "goma" and are a fundamental ingredient in many dishes. Gomasio, a popular seasoning blend, consists of toasted sesame seeds and salt, used to sprinkle on rice and other foods. The paste made from sesame seeds, called tahini in other regions, is also integral to Japanese cuisine, such as in the dish 'gomadofu'.

Hulled vs. Unhulled: The Difference in Flavor and Nutrition

Beyond their different names, sesame seeds also vary depending on whether they are hulled or unhulled. Hulled seeds have their outer husk removed, resulting in a milder flavor and softer texture, while unhulled seeds retain the husk, offering a richer, nuttier taste and higher nutritional content.

Comparison of Sesame Seed Types


Feature	White Sesame Seeds (Hulled)	Black Sesame Seeds (Unhulled)	Golden/Brown Sesame Seeds (Unhulled)
Hulling Status	Hulled	Unhulled	Unhulled
Flavor Profile	Mild, sweet, and nutty	Stronger, more intense, and earthy	Nutty and earthy with a savory depth
Texture	Crispy when toasted	Softer, richer, and slightly oily	Crunchy
Primary Use	Garnishes for baked goods (buns, bagels), sushi, and light sauces	Chinese desserts (black sesame soup), sauces, and dishes where a strong flavor is desired	General cooking, grain bowls, and health-focused recipes
Nutritional Content	High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Some minerals lost during hulling.	Richer in antioxidants, calcium, and minerals due to the intact hull.	High in fiber, protein, and minerals.

The Versatility of Sesame

Sesame's use extends far beyond just sprinkling seeds on bread. Its rich oil content and unique flavor make it a versatile ingredient used in many different forms across the globe.

Tahini: A creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine, serving as a base for hummus and baba ghanoush, and is also used in sauces and dressings.
Sesame Oil: Extracted from raw or toasted seeds. Toasted sesame oil has a robust, nutty flavor and is typically used as a finishing oil, while oil from raw seeds is more neutral and suitable for cooking.
Confectionery: The seeds are used in a variety of sweets, from the Middle Eastern and Balkan 'halva' to the Indian 'til ke laddu' and the Asian sweet snacks like 'karinto' and 'okaki'.
Spice Blends: Sesame seeds are a key component in numerous spice and seed mixtures, including the Egyptian dukkah and the Japanese furikake and shichimi togarashi.
Traditional Medicine and Cosmetics: Due to their beneficial properties and high oil content, sesame seeds and oil have a long history of use in traditional medicine and cosmetics for skin and hair care.

For a deeper dive into the origins and cultivation of sesame, see the Wikipedia page on sesame.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "What's another name for sesame seeds?" has multiple answers, reflecting its widespread use and deep history in different cultures. From the African-derived "benne" to the South Asian "til" and the Japanese "goma," these names all point to the same nutrient-dense oilseed. Whether you encounter hulled white seeds on a burger bun or unhulled black seeds in a savory Asian dessert, the versatility and rich flavor of sesame remain consistent. Knowing its different names can open up a world of culinary exploration, enabling you to appreciate this ancient and beloved ingredient in all its forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'benne seed' originated in West Africa and was introduced to the American South via enslaved people. It's a key part of the region's culinary history.

In Japan, sesame seeds are called 'goma'. They are used in numerous Japanese dishes, including the popular seasoning gomasio.

White sesame seeds are hulled, giving them a milder flavor, while black sesame seeds are unhulled, providing a stronger, more earthy flavor and higher mineral content.

'Gingelly' is another name for sesame seeds, particularly used in parts of South Asia. It often refers specifically to the oil derived from the seeds.

The phrase 'open sesame' from the folk tale Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves refers to the splitting open of the mature sesame seed pod. It's an imaginative metaphor for a door bursting open to reveal treasure.

Black sesame seeds have a slightly higher nutritional value, especially in calcium and antioxidants, because they retain the outer hull that is removed from white sesame seeds. However, both are very healthy.

Beyond food, sesame oil is used in traditional medicine for skincare and massage. Historically, it has also been used in cosmetics, lubricants, and for making inks.