Poppy Seed, Whole

(Papaver somniferum)

The poppy seed — harvested from Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy — is one of the oldest cultivated seeds in human history, with evidence of use dating back to the Neolithic period in Europe and the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia. Despite its association with the opium poppy plant, the mature, fully dried seeds contain only negligible trace amounts of opiate alkaloids and have been safely consumed as a food ingredient across virtually every major culinary tradition in the world for millennia. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used poppy seeds extensively in cooking and baking; they appear in ancient Roman cookbooks, medieval European recipes, and the culinary traditions of Central Europe, the Middle East, India, and beyond. Our Whole Poppy Seeds are the small, slate-blue to blue-grey seeds of Papaver somniferum — nutty, mildly sweet, with a pleasant crunch and a distinctive flavor that is one of the most beloved in the baker’s pantry.

Poppy seeds are nutritionally dense, containing linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid — the primary fatty acid, comprising approximately 60–70% of the seed’s fat content), oleic acid (omega-9), palmitic acid, stearic acid, protein (approximately 18–20%), dietary fiber, calcium (one of the richest seed sources), iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, thiamine (vitamin B1), folate, tocopherols (vitamin E), and morphine and codeine alkaloids (in trace amounts in the mature seed — negligible in culinary use). Available in Whole form.

Product Highlights

• Whole seed of Papaver somniferum — Poppy Seed, Blue/Slate variety
• One of the oldest cultivated seeds in human history — used in cooking and baking for millennia
• Nutty, mildly sweet flavor with a pleasant crunch — a beloved ingredient in the baker’s pantry
• Exceptionally rich in linoleic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, and dietary fiber
• A cornerstone of Central European, Middle Eastern, and South Asian baking traditions
• Versatile across sweet and savory applications — breads, pastries, dressings, and more
• Available in Whole form

How to Use

Baking: The classic use — sprinkle over bagels, rolls, and breads before baking, or incorporate into muffins, cakes, and pastries. Lemon Poppy Seed: The iconic pairing — combine with lemon zest in muffins, loaf cakes, and pancakes. Central European Pastries: A foundational filling for strudel, kolache, hamantaschen, and Eastern European sweet rolls — grind and combine with honey or sugar. Salad Dressings: Whisk into creamy or vinaigrette dressings for texture and nutty flavor. Indian Cuisine: Ground poppy seed (khus khus) is used to thicken curries and gravies in Bengali and South Indian cooking. Toasting: Lightly toast in a dry pan to intensify the nutty flavor before use.

Available in Whole (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep out of reach of children.

Note: Poppy seeds are derived from Papaver somniferum and may contain trace alkaloid residues on the seed surface. Consumption of poppy seeds in large quantities has been known to produce positive results on opiate drug screening tests. Individuals subject to drug testing should consult their employer or testing authority before consuming poppy seeds.