Monticello White Sesame

Sesamum indicum Seeds per pack approx. 125 Germination: 90% Jul 2024 Packed for 2025 Origins and History Monticello White Sesame is an heirloom variety with deep historical roots tied to early American agriculture. Introduced to the United States from Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, sesame—often referred to as benne—was cultivated in the gardens of enslaved Africans for its oil-rich seeds. Thomas Jefferson grew this particular white sesame at Monticello, recognizing its adaptability to Virginia’s soils and its value as an oilseed crop. The name “Monticello White” honors its preservation in Jefferson’s experimental plots and represents one of the earliest sesame varieties documented in American history. Appearance and Characteristics This heirloom produces upright plants typically 3–6 feet tall, with tubular, bell-shaped white flowers that attract pollinators. The seed pods mature to a light tan, containing small, ivory-white seeds known for their high oil content and deli