What is Poppy Seeds?

Poppy Seeds are the tiny ripe seeds of Papaver somniferum, in the poppy family (Papaveraceae). They are harvested from the fully matured seed pod, and the seeds themselves contain only trace alkaloids. They are a classic culinary ingredient across European, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines.

About the plant

The kidney-shaped seeds have been harvested from dried poppy pods for thousands of years. In the kitchen they appear in baking, on bagels and rolls, in pastry fillings, and ground into traditional spreads, and they contribute a gentle, nutty crunch. They carry notable minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with natural seed oils.

Related herbs

• Mustard Seeds — another culinary seed for baking and brines.

Poppy Seeds: form & sizes

We carry Poppy Seeds as whole dried seeds, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Poppy Seeds in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Poppy Seeds at a glance

Botanical name

Papaver somniferum

Family

Papaveraceae

Native region

the Western Mediterranean; cultivated globally

Plant part

seed

Primary use here

Culinary (baking, pastry, bagel topping)

Form

whole dried seeds

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb