In Europe and North America the seeds are used to flavour and garnish various foods, particularly breads and other baked goods. The aroma and taste of sesame seed are mild and nutlike. The chief constituent of the seed is its fixed oil, which usually amounts to about 44 to 60 percent. Noted for its stability, the oil resists oxidative rancidity. It is used as a salad or cooking oil, in shortening and margarine, and in the manufacture of soaps, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.
Sesame oil is used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
The press cake remaining after the oil is expressed is highly nutritious. Probably originating in Asia or East Africa, sesame is now found in most of the tropical, subtropical, and southern temperate areas of the world. Sesame seed may be the oldest condiment known to man and probably was the first crop grown for its edible oil. The Babylonians made sesame cakes, wine, and brandy and used the oil for cooking and toiletries. Sesame was used by the Egyptians as a medicine as early as 1500 b.c.