Oct 10, 2016 · Raw heirloom benne seeds are brown and look like toasted white sesame seeds. Their flavor, however, is much more pronounced and slightly more bitter than common sesame—especially when toasted.

Benne Seed has long been a traditional staple in Lowcountry food. Perhaps best known in Charleston for the Benne Wafer, it was used in other dishes as well as for cooking oil. In 1730 Benne seeds were documented as being grown in and around Charleston as a cash crop.

When heated in cooking, new crop benne seeds possess lovely field flavors, characteristic nuttiness, and deep burnt-honey notes. Unlike modern sesame seeds, benne asserts its culinary presence by magnifying umami nuances in foods, making it unparalleled for use in both modern and historic recipes.

Oct 12, 2022 · Charleston-based chef and writer Amethyst Ganaway often sees the benne seed used in stews, soups, and sauces, because it is an ideal thickening agent and adds a nutty flavor. But for Ganaway, the best thing to do is to keep it simple.

Feb 22, 2023 · Sesame (benne) seeds for planting are often sold by seed companies that specialize in heirloom plants. Start benne seeds indoors about a month before the last expected frost. Plant the seeds in small pots, covered with about ¼ inch (6 mm.) of a good quality, lightweight potting mix.

Nov 27, 2023 · Made with benne (or sesame seeds), these crisp benne wafers have the rich caramel-y notes of lace cookies and deep toasty flavor thanks to the seeds. They're also incredibly easy to prep: Simply melt some butter, then add all the ingredients into a …

Benne seeds are an heirloom variety of sesame seeds, coming from the same species of plant, Sesamum indicum. Benne seeds are have a deeper, slightly more bitter flavor than modern sesame seeds that compliments rich, umami foods nicely.

Growing up to 6 feet tall with white flowers, this revived Low Country heirloom sesame is packed with flavor. Benne is the Bantu word for sesame, which was first domesticated in India, and is very important throughout Africa.

The light tan/white seed of this heirloom Benne is far more flavorful than modern sesame. Leaves can be used as soup greens; seeds used to flavor rice and baked goods, and can be made into a flour. Nutritionally, it is high in protein, contains no cholesterol and …

These diminutive pearls (pronounced "bennie") are similar to commercial sesame seed, but with big differences. Benne seeds were introduced into Southern food culture just as so many of our most integral heritage foods were - through the African slave trade.