By Sarah Fiorello

Sesamum indicum ‘Blue Sesame’

Originating in India, this plant has been cultivated in West Africa for thousands of years. Also known as benne, sesame was first brought to the Americas on slave ships and was grown around the living quarters of enslaved Africans who popularized sesame on this continent. Sesame seed cookies called benne wafers are popular in the American south.

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Fish Pepper

Capsicum annuum ‘Fish Pepper’

African Bird’s-eye pepper

Capsicum frutescens ‘African Bird’s Eye’

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus