Although sesame seeds are technically a seed, they provide a unique “nutty” flavour to any dish and are commonly associated with nuts. Sesame seeds date back to prehistoric times in India and there are different varieties, which give the different colours - white, black, red and yellow. The most commonly available colour in Australia is white. Sesame seeds and sesame seed oil will last for ages without going rancid.Sesame seeds contain beneficial vitamins and minerals such as fibre, selenium, iron, zinc, vitamin B1, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and copper. Sesame seeds have the highest level of phytosterols of all nuts and seeds, even ahead of pepitas and sunflower seeds. Try and buy sesame seeds with hull on as they contain much more calcium. Health benefits from consuming sesame seeds on a regular basis include lowering bad cholesterol levels, reducing hypertension, promoting bone health, fighting against disease, easing stress, strengthening the immune system, fighting free radicals, supporting respiratory and vascular health, preventing PMS symptoms and migraines, plus relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Sesame seeds are also made into the paste, tahini, which is one of the main ingredients in humus. You can also enjoy hummus with vegetable sticks or on bread or crackers. Sesame seeds can be sprinkled onto a variety of dishes and salads. You can also sauté and cook vegetable, meat, poultry and fish dishes with the sesame seeds or sesame oil for added flavour. Sprinkle some sesame seeds into your favourite bottle of salad dressing or include it in your home made salad dressing recipe. Sesame seeds are also used to make a sweet tasting treat called halvah. And sesame seeds make a delightful seasoning called gomasio. Gomasio is made by mixing together sea salt with dry roasted sesame seeds ( Use in the ratio of 1:12).Bear in mind that some people who are allergic to nuts might also be allergic to sesame seeds.Image: Dream79/Shutterstock