Sesame seeds are a type of seed that comes from the sesame plant, which is native to Africa and Asia. They are a small, flat seed that is commonly used in cooking and baking around the world. Sesame seeds are often used as a topping for bread, buns, and bagels, and are also used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, and sauces. They can be toasted to bring out their nutty flavor, or ground into a paste to make tahini, a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine. Sesame seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also high in antioxidants and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.