Poppy seeds are tiny, kidney-shaped seeds obtained from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. These seeds have been used for culinary, medicinal, and cultural purposes for centuries. Poppy seeds have a long history of use in ancient cultures, including those of the Greeks and Romans, who associated the poppy flower with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Poppy seeds come in different colors, with the most common being slate blue, but they can also be white or gray. While poppy seeds are small, they are rich in essential nutrients: Dietary fiber, Protein, Minerals and Vitamins.
Tsjech-Republic, Turkey
Blue, white
Bags, big bags
The poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) is an annual herb with distinctive flowers, ranging in color from white to purple. Cultivated for ornamental, culinary, and pharmaceutical purposes, poppies are known for their opium-producing varieties used in medications like morphine. Poppy seeds, harvested from the seedpods, are commonly used in culinary applications. The red poppy flower holds cultural significance as a symbol of remembrance. Legal regulations are in place due to the potential misuse of opium poppies, emphasizing the dual nature of this versatile plant.
The harvest season for opium poppies, grown for both pharmaceutical and culinary purposes, generally takes place in late spring or early summer. For opium production, the focus is on collecting latex from the seedpods during this period. Culinary poppies, grown for their seeds, are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn when the seedpods have matured. Legal regulations govern the cultivation of opium poppies due to their potential for producing narcotics.
Used in bakery and confectionery- Breads- Baked GoodsOther uses- Dressing and sauces- Salads