Blue Poppy Seeds

What is the blue poppy?

The blue poppy that I propose to you today comes to us from Turkey. In the form of seeds, it is integrated into many preparations and is recognized for its many virtues. The blue poppy is a flower of the papaveraceous family to which the poppy also belongs. The papaver somniferum var. nigrum is also called opium poppy, garden poppy, sleeping poppy or black poppy with blue seeds. No matter what you call it, it is the poppy that offers you beautiful little seeds that you can use every day. The seed of blue poppy is used since the Antiquity. Archaeological digs attest to the presence of these seeds in Neolithic habitats 7,000 years ago. Like many spices, the blue poppy seed was favored for its therapeutic properties. In Egypt, the seeds were used by priests who wished to contact the deities. Let us not forget that opium and heroin are extracted from the poppy. The pharaohs used it for its psychotropic virtues. In Ancient Rome, the poppy was used for its medical virtues. It is only at the beginning of our era that the poppy seed was really consumed for its gustatory properties and its capacity to improve the bread. Today, if the poppy seed has its place in our kitchen, the poppy is still used in medicine since it allows the production of morphine, but also codeine. Less known use, the poppy contains poppy oil which is used as a binder in oil painting. The Flemish primitive painters were fans of it.

What is the flavor of the blue poppy?

Raw, the blue poppy seed has a pungent and sweet taste that reminds a bit of hazelnut and pine nut. Cooked, it develops its flavors which are this time more full-bodied than sweet.

The harvest of the blue poppy

The blue poppy is cultivated in the mountains of the Himalayas, but also in Turkey, it is from here that the seeds that I propose you. The poppy likes the drained soils and the sun, it is there that it blooms best. Its flower shelters capsules which themselves contain seeds. To collect them, it is necessary to wait for the autumn when the flower fades. The capsule dries and takes a brown tint. It opens, it is then that the seeds can be taken.

How to use the blue poppy?

The first use that comes to mind is certainly the most answered. The blue poppy seed is very popular with bakers. It can be found in special breads, especially seeded breads that are both healthy and nutritious, but also above to decorate them and bring that little crunch that makes the bread even more delicious. Poppy seeds are also used in cakes and other pastries. But there are actually many other ways to integrate the blue poppy seed in your culinary preparations, here are some examples.

Our recipe ideas with blue poppy

The starter: foie gras with blue poppy seeds

What could be more delicious than a foie gras with a lightly toasted bread? Of course, you can imagine a bread with blue poppy seeds to bring that little extra crunch with your foie gras. But you can simply add seeds on your foie gras with a little Espelette pepper to give it another dimension. Another solution: put some blue poppy seeds in a mesclun that will accompany your foie gras.

The dish: shrimp with poppy seed crisp

Shrimp can be eaten in a thousand and one ways, it is an extraordinary food. This time, I propose an original recipe full of flavor and crispness. Peel your shrimp, keeping the tail. Dip your shrimp in a beaten egg white, pass it through a bowl filled with sesame and blue poppy seeds and fry your shrimp in hot oil. Then dip your shrimp in a mayonnaise that you can season with chili, wasabi or any other spice you like.

Dessert: lemon and blue poppy seed cake

The blue poppy goes perfectly with lemon. So I suggest a simple and delicious combination. Make a lemon cake and add some poppy seeds to it. You can also add a little on top to decorate your cake, you will love this recipe.

The health benefits of the blue poppy

The blue poppy seed is delicious and really adds to your recipes. However, this is not its only interest, far from it. The poppy has been known for centuries for its therapeutic virtues, here is what it can bring you. The poppy seed is primarily dietetic. It contains minerals and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, it is perfect in the context of a diet to decorate your dishes healthily. Rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, the poppy seed strengthens your cardiovascular system as well as your bones and hair. Rich in iron, it helps fight against fatigue and reduces the risk of suffering from anemia even if a medical treatment is necessary in case of significant iron deficiency. The blue poppy seed also contains zinc which helps to slow down the aging of cells. Finally, this seed is known for its soothing virtues, it helps to find a better sleep.

The conservation of the blue poppy

The blue poppy seed should be stored preferably away from light and moisture.