COMMON NAME
 
Standardized: opium poppy
Other: poppy
 
BOTANICAL NAME
 
Papaver somniferum L.
Plant Family: Papaveraceae
 
OVERVIEW
 
The familiar blue poppy seeds used to flavor noodles, breads, and bagels and to make poppy seed kolachi (a Czech pastry) are produced by the same plant used to make opium. Poppy seeds contain only trace amounts of opium, not enough to get a high, but enough to influence a drug test. Experienced testers can tell the difference between use of heroin and consumption of poppy seeds by the presence of thebaine, a chemical only found when the person tested has been eating the seeds.
PARTS USED
Dried seed, whole or crushed.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
Dried seed, sometimes crushed and canned.
SUMMARY
While poppy seeds can be pressed for oil, they are most commonly used to flavor and to add flavor, texture and color to noodles, breads, and pastries. To bring out a nutty flavor, toast or crush before use. Most culinary grade Poppy seeds have been steam sterilized and are not of germination quality.
 
PRECAUTIONS
 
Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
 
 
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.