A precious, nutritious and sweet seed

Poppy seeds are traditionally used in breads, pastries, and oriental dishes. Their lipid profile makes them beneficial in vegetarian or healthy-fat diets. They can also be used as a macerate in body care products, or lightly ground into a powder for gentle exfoliation or as a base for natural face masks.

Description

Small, oval, shiny seeds, slate blue to dark gray in color, mild nutty flavor, crunchy texture.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Poppy 'Oillette', poppy seed
• Latin name: Papaver somniferum var. nigrum
• Family: Papaveraceae
• Part used: Seed (mature and dried)
• Form: Loose
• Origin: Central Europe, Turkey, India
• English name: Blue poppy seed
• German name: Blaumohn
• Name in Spanish: Seedling
• Name in Italian: Semi di papavero
• Name in Arabic: بذور الخشخاش

Main virtues

Nutritional (unsaturated fatty acids), softening, remineralizing (calcium, phosphorus), mild digestive calming.

Main constituents

Fatty acids (omega-6), proteins (~20%), dietary fiber, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron), traces of inactive alkaloids (non-narcotic).

Traditional use and dosage

• Food use: Up to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day in baking, granolas, breads, smoothies or sprinkles.
• Oily macerate: 100 g of seeds in 250 ml of neutral vegetable oil, leave to stand for 3 to 4 weeks for skin or hair care.
• Gentle exfoliant: coarsely ground seeds integrated into a neutral cosmetic base.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• The seeds are **free of narcotic alkaloids** (no psychoactive effects).
• Do not exceed normal doses in a daily diet (functional food, not medicine).
• Store away from humidity and heat (risk of rancidity).

History and use

The poppy has been cultivated since ancient times for its edible seeds and fine oil. Unlike other parts of the plant, the seeds do not pose any pharmacological risks and are authorized for culinary use. Very popular in Central Europe and Eastern cuisine, they are also sought after for their softening properties and their contribution of minerals and essential fatty acids.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or food bucket.
• Storage: away from light, in a cool, dry place.
• Shelf life: 12 months after opening.
• TARIC customs code: 1207.99.97.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Euro+Med PlantBase
• INRA files, works on plant-based dietetics and culinary traditions

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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