Sesame seed is the seed of the sesame plant. The plant is an annual herb with foxglove-like flowers that produce pods containing the edible sesame seeds. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India.

The hulls are removed as they contain oxalic acid, which gives a bitter flavor. The seeds can also be pressed for sesame oil. Sesame Seeds are used to make sesame paste, which is often used as a peanut butter substitute.