Poppy seeds are dried seeds and are considered a herb with a thick stem. The stem has a thick waxy coating. The seeds are very small and white-grey in color. The seed is considered a spice. It is cultivated in India, Egypt, China, Russia, Japan, and Portugal for its pharmaceutical uses. It is grown illegally in some countries for narcotics trade.
Poppy is cultivated in the temperate regions and requires highly fertile soil. Poppy seeds are also called khus khus. The seeds themselves do not contain opiates and are contaminated during harvesting with morphine residue. The seeds are also pressed to produce poppy seed oil. Store poppy seeds in an airtight container and keep it inside the refrigerator. Alternately you can store poppy seeds in an insulated jar.
Culinary Uses
It is used as a food and a source of fatty oil.
It is used for culinary purposes as it is highly nutritious.
Khus khus finds its use in cakes, cookies, pastries, breads, confectionary, sweets, and curries.
They are used to make lemon poppy seed cake.
They are added to potato and pea samosas.
They are used in naan breads.
They are sprinkled on biscuits and are added to pasta, egg, and cream and cheese dishes.
In India, they are used as a spice and for thickening curries.
Health benefits
The seeds are used to fight constipation.
It is also used as a sedative against irritant coughing.
Poppy seeds help in the prevention of heart diseases as they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids.
The seeds also contain phosphorous and iron and are good for the health of the bones.
The seeds are used to treat sleeplessness.
The seeds are also believed to increase female fertility.
They are known to help improve digestion.
They are also used for treating mouth ulcers as they have a cooling effect on the body.
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