Poppy Seeds

Description

Poppy seeds are oilseeds obtained from the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). These tiny seeds have been harvested by various civilizations from dried seed pods for thousands of years. They are still widely used in many countries, especially in Central Europe and South Asia, where they are legally grown, used in food products, and sold in stores. The seeds are used whole or ground into flour and added as an ingredient to many dishes – especially pastries and bread, as well as the famous bagels (

Poppy seeds contain approximately 6% water, 28% carbohydrates, 42% fat, and 21% protein. The fat content primarily consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid.

A 100 g serving of seeds contains an average of 525 calories and is rich in thiamine, folic acid, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

Whole poppy seeds are widely used as both a spice and a decoration in various cookies and pastries. In North America, they are used in many food products, such as poppy seed muffins, toast, bagels, and cakes. Poppy seeds can also be used just like sesame seeds, added to hamburger buns or for making candy bars.