Sesame Seed Lore and Legend

Sesame seeds are believed to be one of the first condiments as well as one of the first plants to be used for edible oil.

Sesame seed lore

Probably the most widely-known sesame seed reference is "Open sesame," the magic words used by Ali Baba to open the treasure cave in the classic tale, The Thousand and One Nights.

Sesame was so well-known and common to the Arabs, it was suggested that this phrase would quickly be forgotten because it was so common.

Other interpretations suggest the phrase comes from the manner in which the sesame seed pods burst open with a pop much like the sudden pop of a lock springing open.

More About Sesame Seeds:

• Sesame Seed Information and Varieties
• Sesame Seed Storage and Selection
• Sesame Seed History
• Sesame Seed Lore and Legend
• Sesame Seed Recipes
_{Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Cookbooks

•	The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices
•	Herbs & Spices
•	The Spice and Herb Bible
•	The Spice Lover's Guide To Herbs & Spices
•	More Cookbooks