Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy plant (Papaver rhoeas).[1] The seeds come from dried seed pods. They have been harvested for thousands of years by many different cultures.[1]
Poppy seeds are sometimes called maw seeds.
Uses for poppy seeds
Poppy seeds have many culinary uses. They have a mild, sweet taste and have a nice firm crunch when eaten.
Cooking poppy seeds transforms their flavour to nutty and bittersweet.
They are often added to the topping of baked goods, sometimes mixed with sesame seeds.