Sesame Is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne Numerous wild … The word “sesame” is from Latin sesamum and Greek sēsamon; used as food and flavoring and from which a prized oil is extracted .and it has medicinal benefits, Sesame seeds work particularly well with chicken and other meats and in warm salads and salad dressings. They also add a distinctive flavour to stir-fried and rice dishes. Ground sesame seeds are used to make tahini, a smooth paste commonly added to Middle Eastern dishes.