Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds, harvested from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), are used culinarily, medically, and industrially. They add a nutty flavor and texture to a wide range of dishes, while their oil is used for various food and manufacturing purposes. Although the seeds themselves are non-narcotic, they can carry traces of opium alkaloids, which requires consumers to use food-grade products responsibly.

Culinary uses

Poppy seeds are used whole, ground, or pressed for their oil in many cuisines around the world.

Common applications include:

Toppings and decorations: Used to garnish baked goods such as breads, bagels, and pastries.

Fillings and pastes: Ground seeds, often mixed with sugar, are a traditional filling for Eastern European pastries like strudels and hamantaschen.

Thickeners: In Indian cuisine, white poppy seeds are ground into a paste to thicken sauces, curries, and stews.

Salad dressings: Poppy seed oil, or whole seeds, can be used to add a nutty flavor and texture to salad dressings.

Savory dishes: They are used in various savory dishes, including noodle preparations and potato curries. 

Industrial and medical applications

Beyond the kitchen, poppy seed products have several other uses:

Oil production: Poppy seed oil is a high-quality oil rich in healthy fats, used in both culinary dishes and industrial products like paint and varnish.

Medical imaging: Iodized poppy seed oil has been used as a contrast agent in medical imaging, particularly during a fertility diagnostic procedure called hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Livestock feed: The press cake leftover from oil extraction, which is high in protein and fiber, can be used as a source of animal feed. 

Nutritional benefits

Poppy seeds are a source of various nutrients and can offer several health benefits. 

Rich in nutrients: They contain fiber, protein, healthy fats (including omega-6 and omega-9), and micronutrients like manganese, copper, calcium, and zinc.

Source of antioxidants: Poppy seeds and their oil contain antioxidant compounds that may help protect the body from cellular damage.

Promotes digestive health: The high fiber content aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation. 

Safety considerations

While culinary poppy seeds are generally safe, some important considerations are associated with their opiate content. 

Opioid contamination: During harvesting, the milky opium latex can contaminate the outside of the poppy seeds. Food-grade seeds are washed to remove these compounds.

Positive drug tests: Consumption of poppy seeds can lead to a positive result on a drug test for opioids, even with washed seeds. Most workplace drug tests have protocols to account for this, but stricter testing, such as in the military, may still pose a problem.

Unwashed poppy seeds: Unwashed poppy seeds, sometimes sold illicitly online, contain significantly higher levels of opioid compounds. Brewing these seeds into a tea is extremely dangerous and can cause addiction, overdose, and death. Their use is strongly discouraged.

Bowel obstruction: Consuming very large quantities of raw poppy seeds can lead to a bowel obstruction.