Sesame seeds, which you might find on your burger bun, come from the Sesamum indicum plant, which is a native plant of the Indian subcontinent. Un-hulled seeds are beige in colour and have a stronger flavour, while hulled, washed seeds (used in cooking) are creamy-white.
Sesame seeds have a nutty, earthy flavour which is enhanced by light toasting before use. They are ready when they start to jump in the pan. They are used in savoury and sweet dishes and to garnish foods like breads. The pale, golden oil is used for cooking.