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With the possible exception of Africa and Asia, where sesame is eaten more like a grain, people throughout the world value sesame primarily for the oil which is pressed from it. It is the world's oldest oil-producing plant. African slaves brought sesame seeds to this country because they were considered good luck, likely why they were called "benne" seeds, which also how they are sometimes referred to in Southern cookbooks. Their fatty acids make these toasted sesame seeds a good choice for cooking oil or salad dressings.