Introduction

Sesame seeds are tiny, nutrient-dense seeds that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are commonly used in cuisines all over the world, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. But have you ever wondered what a sesame seed plant looks like?

The Sesame Seed Plant

The sesame seed plant, known scientifically as Sesamum indicum, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. It is native to Africa and India and is now cultivated in many parts of the world.

The sesame seed plant typically grows to a height of about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) and has an upright stem with many branches. The leaves are green and oblong, and the flowers are bell-shaped and can be pink, white, or purple.

The Seed Pods

After the sesame plant flowers, it produces seed pods that contain the tiny sesame seeds. The pods are oblong in shape and are around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) in length.

The sesame pods start out green and turn yellow or brown when they are ripe. Each pod contains several dozen seeds that are squeezed tightly together. The seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped, with a slightly nutty flavor.

The Harvest

Sesame plants are typically harvested about 90 to 120 days after planting. When the pods have turned brown and are dry, they are ready to be harvested.

The easiest way to harvest sesame seeds is to cut the entire plant at the base and then hang it upside down in a cool, dry place. As the plant dries, the seed pods will open and drop the seeds onto a sheet or tarp that has been placed underneath.

Conclusion

So, what does a sesame seed plant look like? It's not a spectacularly ornamental plant, but it does have some beauty in its bell-shaped flowers and oblong seed pods. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what this important plant looks like and how it produces the tiny, nutrient-packed sesame seeds that are used in so many dishes around the world.