benne

American  

[ben-ee] / ˈbɛn i /

Or benny

noun

1. Southern U.S., especially South Carolina, and Bahamian English. the sesame plant or its seeds.

---

benne British  

/ ˈbɛnɪ /

noun

1. another name for sesame

2. the edible oil obtained from sesame seeds

---

Etymology

Origin of benne

1760–70, < Wolof, Malinke bene

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

benne

By using African-influenced ingredients like smoked canned fish and benne seeds, I find that our most traditional and well-loved Southern dishes are bumped up in flavor and texture.

From Salon ● Jan. 28, 2022

The $10 bread board — housemade, grill-striped bread staged with a thick brushstroke of butter strewn with chopped scallions, benne seeds and pickled snap peas — is worth the price of admission.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 27, 2021

Then he covered the rice with chutney made from grinding toasted benne seeds; an herb called shadow benne that is similar to cilantro; some bird’s-eye peppers, and garlic with a little oil.

From New York Times ● Feb. 13, 2018

The addictive brown sugar and benne seed popcorn expertly melds sugar and salt.

From Time ● Aug. 12, 2014

She was sitting there pretty as you please in a white blouse and striped skirt, sipping on lemonade and eating Mama’s benne seed cookies.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce