Sesame seeds are small, flat oval seeds with a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible crunch. They come in a host of different colors, depending upon the variety, including white, yellow, black and red. Sesame seeds are one of the oldest oilseed crops known, cultivated since the Indus Valley civilization in 3000 BC. They are a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and East African cuisines. Sesame seeds are rich in nutrients and provide a range of health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and protection from certain cancers.