Poppy seeds are small, kidney-shaped seeds that come from the opium poppy plant. While they are derived from the same plant as opium, the seeds do not contain narcotic properties. Depending on the variety, they can be black, blue, or white. They’re often used in baking, cooking, and as a garnish for their pleasant nutty taste, appealing crunch, and decorative aspect. They can be found in bread, muffins, cakes, and are a staple in many European, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Fiber: 20g
- Sodium: 26mg
- Potassium: 719mg
- Calcium: 1438mg
- Iron: 9.8mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the variety and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients:
- Seeds from the Papaver somniferum plant.
What it’s good for:
- Enhances the texture of baked goods.
- Provides a nutty flavor to dishes.
- Contains beneficial nutrients like calcium and iron.
How to Use: In baking: Sprinkle on bread, rolls, and pastries for a crunchy texture and aesthetic appeal.
In cooking: Use as a thickening agent for curries or desserts, especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Recipe Idea – Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and lemon zest.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and yogurt to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (when not used in recipes with animal-derived ingredients)
- Gluten-free (by itself, but always check the specific recipes/products)
- Keto (in moderation due to carb content)
Note: Consuming large amounts of poppy seeds before certain drug tests can result in false positives for opiates. If you are scheduled for a drug test, it’s advisable to avoid eating poppy seeds a few days prior.
