Sesame Seeds, Monticello White

This variety initially came from Monticello Seeds: “Thomas Jefferson planted Sesame, or “Benne,” for many years at Monticello in order to press a salad oil from the seeds. He wrote in 1811, “I did not believe there existed so perfect a substitute for olive oil.” Sesame has been cultivated for centuries as a food in India and tropical Africa, but in European countries, it has been used primarily for the oil. Jefferson also planted Sesame as a border plant because of its ornamental qualities. Thomas Jefferson documented this plant in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, and other writings. The Utopian Seed Project has been growing and saving seeds in Leicester, NC, for four years. It shades out the weeds super well and is incredibly beautiful and abundant.