No, sesame seeds are not an herb; they are the seeds of the sesame plant, which is classified as an annual herb.
Understanding Sesame Seeds and the Sesame Plant
While the sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) itself is considered an herb, the sesame seeds that we use in cooking and baking are specifically the seeds from the plant's pods. Here's a breakdown:
Sesame Plant
- The sesame plant is an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
- It features foxglove-like flowers.
- The plant produces pods containing edible sesame seeds.
- These pods burst open when the seeds mature.
Sesame Seeds
- Sesame seeds are harvested from the pods of the sesame plant.
- The hulls of the sesame seeds are often removed because they contain oxalic acid, which imparts a bitter taste.
- Sesame seeds are used in a variety of culinary applications, from baking to savory dishes.
Key Difference
The confusion often arises because the plant is an herb, but the product (the seed) is not an herb. To reiterate, sesame seeds are the edible parts obtained from the sesame herb plant, but they themselves are classified as seeds, not herbs.
Summary
| Feature | Sesame Plant | Sesame Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Annual Herb | Seed |
| Relationship | Source of the sesame seeds | Product of the sesame plant |
| Characteristics | Produces pods with seeds | Edible parts used in cooking |
