How To Use Poppy Seeds

Adding poppy seeds to recipes is a Mediterranean tradition to flavor their cakes and breads with a slightly nutty taste. In addition to a flavor enhancer, the poppy seeds add texture and adornment to almost any kind of baked goods. The poppy seeds originated in the first century in Arabian countries that used it for medicinal purposes to aid with relaxation. In some cases, their concentrated poppy seed teas were strong enough to compete with any modern-day morphine to calm and sedate its user. Many of the medicinal uses have been replaced with modern science, but the poppy seed has made its mark in history for its taste and versatility.

Today, poppy seeds are a favorite with bagels, cookies and delicatessen breads to add a touch of flavor and crunch. German and Jewish cooking has also been known to add the nutty seeds to soups and sprinkle over fish before baking. There is no fixed way to cook with poppy seeds, so let your imagination take you where it will. In addition to breads, some of the most popular uses for poppy seeds include freshly made salad dressings or sprinkling loose seeds over your salad. Although the poppy seeds are complimentary to most dishes, they make a nice addition to any cheese dressings, honey mustard and also blend well with oil and vinegar types.

To spice up your old and tired chicken casserole, try a handful of poppy seeds to garnish when it’s removed from the oven. And for an extra rich and creamy fettuccine, try mixing the poppy seeds into the sauce before cooking. You may wish to make a paste before adding the cream, in which case, try garlic, melted butter, poppy seeds and parsley flakes for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Although cooking with poppy seeds is a delicious and healthy practice, be aware that the seeds come from opium plants and will register as an opiate should you be subject to a random drug test. The poppy seeds will show up in your bloodstream just as heroin would, so be sure you have not eaten the seeds at least two weeks before a drug test. Many drug testing facilities are aware of the adverse effect in the bloodstream, but testing positive for any drug can be a nightmare to clear your name. Better safe than sorry and refrain from your poppy seeds if you think you may be tested.