Black Sesame Seeds (Kurogoma / Benne) – Organic, Nutty & Rich, Culinary & Medicinal, Easy to Grow, 85 Days

Black Sesame – Kurogoma / Benne (Sesamum indicum)

Kurogoma — Black Sesame — is a cornerstone of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines, prized for its rich, nutty, slightly earthy flavor that is deeper and more complex than white sesame. Used extensively in Japanese cooking for goma (sesame salt), sushi, tahini, ohitashi, pastries, and desserts, Kurogoma seeds can be roasted, ground, dried, or eaten fresh. An early-maturing annual that thrives in hot weather and is easy to grow in long, warm seasons. Seeds can be stored for up to 5 years. Also known as benne — a name tracing its roots to West Africa and the Caribbean.

Seed Details

• Common Names: Kurogoma, Black Sesame, Benne
• Days to Maturity: ~85 days
• Plant Height: 3–5 feet; upright, with white to pink flowers
• Type: Warm-season annual; drought-tolerant once established
• Seed Count: ~13,000/oz; ~208,000/lb
• Seed Viability: Up to 5 years when stored cool and dry
• Best Use: Sushi, goma salt, tahini, ohitashi, baked goods, pastries, snacking, roasted

Growing Instructions

• In USDA Zones 9–10: direct sow in a sunny, well-drained spot, planting about ⅛" deep.
• Outside Zones 9–10: start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant once outdoor temperatures reach 70°F.
• Space plants 2–3 feet apart in full sun for healthy development.
• Keep soil moist until established; sesame is drought-tolerant once it matures.
• Plants grow 3–5 feet tall with beautiful white and sometimes pink flowers.

Harvesting

• Harvest when dried seed pods begin to open at the bottom branches.
• Bring pods indoors to finish drying, then shake over a bowl or cloth to collect seeds.
• In short growing seasons, harvest green pods and dry indoors for a longer drying period.
• Roast lightly in a dry pan to enhance the nutty flavor before using.

Select your desired seed quantity above. Organic, untreated, open-pollinated. Stores up to 5 years.