The Sumerians grew several kinds of crops. The most valuable one was barley, which was used to make flour and bread. Dates were also very valuable to the Sumerians. They were eaten once ripe or else they were dried for future consumption. Dates also made an excellent wine. Date trees were also an excellent source of leaves for house thatching, while the wood from the trunk was used for building. Another important crop was the sesame seed. It was used in baking and seasoning, but its real value was as a cooking oil. Other crops were wheat, onions, cucumber and other fruits and vegetables. The Sumerians also raised goats, pigs, sheep, and cattle.

Above is a photo of sesame pods growing on a plant. 

Above you can see a sesame pod that has been opened. 

Both photos from BackyardDiva.ca