Among the various spices widespread in Southern cuisine, black sesame - which differs from white sesame as it is not toasted - is truly rich in unsaturated fats, as well as vitamins and, above all, proteins and mineral salts which are very useful for people's well-being. The precise origins of black sesame are not known, although it is reasonably believed that it was initially cultivated mainly in East Asian countries, particularly in India, although according to other historians it also has African origins. The flavor of sesame could be similar to that of hazelnut fruit.