Sesame Seeds Natural: 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. Sesamum indicum, (indicum meaning from India) is native to the East Indies. Usage dates back to 3000 B.C. Over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese burned sesame oil not only as a light source but also to make soot for their ink-blocks. African slaves brought sesame seeds, which they called benné seeds, to America, where they became a popular ingredient in Southern dishes. Through the ages, the seeds have been a source of food and oil. Sesame seed oil is still the main source of fat used in cooking in the Near and Far East.