Sesame is a plant grown for its small, flat seeds that add a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to food. You've probably eaten sesame seeds on hamburger buns, bagels, or stir-fried dishes. They can be white, black, or tan, and when toasted, they release a rich, warm aroma.

Sesame seeds are among the oldest cultivated crops in the world. Ancient civilizations in Africa and Asia grew sesame thousands of years ago, using the seeds for cooking oil, flavoring, and even medicine. Today, sesame remains essential in many cuisines: tahini (a paste made from ground sesame) is a key ingredient in hummus, while sesame oil gives many Asian dishes their distinctive taste.

The phrase “open sesame” comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, where these magic words unlock a hidden treasure cave. People use this phrase when something opens easily or automatically, like joking that the garage door is “open sesame” when it rolls up at the push of a button.