To: Homestead List <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [Homestead] Benne
Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 11:41:08 -0400
While vacationing in the SC Low Country, I chanced upon Benne crackers,
AKA Sesame seed crackers. Sesame seeds, known as Benne (or Benni or
Bene) in the Mendi language of Africans, were allegedly brought to the
US by slaves for good luck. It is still popular in the lowcountry, and
during the 1950's was grown even in Texas.
This wiki article is worth the read, if for no other reason than the
etymology of the word sesame. I love sesame seeds and I put them in my
breads and top homemade buns and such. Soon, I will make sesame brittle
and those Benne crackers/wafers. Sounds good as well as nutritious.
The seeds could be pressed for oil, even. Here's the PFAF page:
It requires more research, but it would seem to me to be a worthwhile
venture to try to grow sesame on a homestead. I don't think I could do
it, but perhaps Leslie or Sage might try it.
--
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public
debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered
and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed
lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of
living on public assistance."