Blue Poppy Seeds

What is the blue poppy?

The blue poppy that I am proposing to you today comes from Turkey. In the form of seeds, it is used in many preparations and is recognized for its many virtues. The blue poppy is a flower of the papaveraceae 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 it is called, it is the one that offers you beautiful little seeds that you can use every day. The blue poppy seed has been used since ancient times. Archaeological excavations attest to the presence of these seeds in Neolithic settlements 7,000 years ago. Like many spices, the blue poppy seed was favoured at the time for its therapeutic virtues. In Egypt, the seeds were used by priests who wanted to come into contact with 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 was not until the beginning of our era that the poppy seed was truly consumed for its taste properties and its ability to improve bread. Today, if the poppy seed has its place in our kitchen, the poppy is still used in medicine since it is used to produce morphine, but also codeine. Less known use, the poppy contains oil from the poppy seed, which is used as a binder in oil paint. Early Flemish painters were fans of it.

What is the flavour of the blue poppy?

Raw, the blue poppy seed has a pungent, sweet taste that is somewhat reminiscent of hazelnut and pine nuts. Cooked, it develops its flavours, which this time are more full-bodied than sweet.

Harvesting the blue poppy

The blue poppy is cultivated in the Himalayan mountains, but also in Turkey, and it is from here that the seeds I am offering you come. The poppy likes drained soils and sunshine, this is where it thrives best. Its flower contains capsules which themselves contain seeds. To harvest them, you have to wait until autumn when the flower wilts. The capsule dries and turns brown. It opens, and the seeds can then be harvested.

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 breads with seeds that are both healthy and nourishing, but also on top to decorate them and bring that little crunch that makes the bread even more delicious. Poppy seed is also found in pastries, cakes and other cakes. But there are actually many other ways to incorporate the blue poppy seed into your culinary preparations, here are a few examples.

Our recipe ideas with blue poppy seeds

The starter: foie gras with blue poppy seeds

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

The dish: prawns with poppy seeds

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

Dessert: soft lemon and blue poppy seed dessert

The blue poppy seeds blend perfectly with lemon. So I propose you a simple and delicious association at the same time. Make a lemon mellow and add poppy seeds to your device. You can also add some above to decorate your softness, 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 a dietary supplement. It contains minerals and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, it is perfect as part of a diet to add a healthy touch to your dishes. Rich in omega 3,6 and 9, poppy seed strengthens your cardiovascular system as well as your bones and hair. Rich in iron, it helps to fight against fatigue and reduces the risk of suffering from anaemia even if medical treatment is required in case of significant iron deficiency. Blue poppy seed also contains zinc, which slows down the ageing of cells. Finally, this seed is known for its soothing virtues, it helps to find a better sleep.

The conservation of the blue poppy

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