Sesame Seeds

Etymologically, the word sesam is related to the Akkadian ‘samassammu,’ from which the Arabic simsim was derived. In ancient Mesopotamia, sesame was an important source of oil, and it became a staple of their diet to the extent that in the Old Babylonian period commercialized production of sesame was one of the economic mainstays of the palace administration. Sesame was immortalized in the Arabian Nights story of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.’ Interestingly, the gang’s command ‘open sesame’ may suggest the way sesame pods suddenly burst open when they ripen, scattering the seeds all around the place. Throughout the world, sesame seeds are used in breads and pastries. In the Arab world, they are also used in making the popular candy, simsimiyya. Ever since ancient times, the Mesopotamians have exploited the possibilities of sesame seeds to the full. They were used in pastries, and sesame oil was used for general cooking purposes, especially frying. The seeds are ground to make what is known in the rest of the Arab countries as tahini, derived from the Arabic verb tahana ‘to grind.’ In Iraq, ground sesame is called rashi (rahshi in medieval times). See also Tahini.