Sesame seeds are one of the oldest oilseed crops being cultivated from 3000 years ago. It has a rich, nutty flavor, which is a common ingredient in cuisines across the world.
India produces a wide variety of sesame seeds varying in color from white to red to black, with oil content varying from 40 to 50%. The major Indian states producing sesame are Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.