In 1987, the sesame acreage in this country was less than 2,500 acres, about half of which were in Texas. The U.S. imports about 40,000 tons of seed and 2,200 tons of sesame oil annually, primarily from South America. Because of this shattering characteristic, sesame has been grown primarily on small plots that are harvested by hand. Sesame oil and foods fried in sesame oil have a long shelf life because the oil contains an antioxidant called sesamol. The oil can be used in the manufacture of soaps, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals and insecticides.
Some varieties are highly branched, while others are unbranched.
Leaves are variable in shape and size and may be opposite or alternate. Multiple flowering is favored by opposite leaves. Sesame is normally self-pollinated, although cross pollination by insects is common. The seeds mature 4 to 6 weeks after fertilization. Sesame seeds are small and vary in color.