The sesame plant is now grown in almost every continent, with particular concentration in Africa and Asia. The seeds can vary in color, from white to dark brown to black. The sesame seed itself is enclosed in a small pod.The familiar expression ‘open sesame’ refers to the manner in which the pods explode to release the seeds contained inside. Due to their fragility in the pods, the seeds are generally still harvested by hand. Sesame seed is used as food (plain seeds or as Tahini), as an edible oil and in cosmetic preparations.