Topping: Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are tiny, kidney-shaped seeds harvested from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). They are typically cleaned and processed for culinary use. The seeds have a nutty flavor and a slight crunch.

Poppy seeds are often used as a topping for baked goods like breads, bagels, and muffins, adding both visual appeal and a mild flavor. They can also be incorporated into fillings, dressings, and sauces. In some cultures, they are pressed to extract oil, which is used in cooking and for artistic purposes.

Poppy seeds are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are a source of fiber, healthy fats, and minerals. While poppy seeds themselves do not contain opiates, trace amounts of opiate alkaloids (like morphine and codeine) can be present due to contamination during harvesting and processing. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated related compounds, but specific evaluations for poppy seeds in food are not widely publicized. Consuming large quantities of unwashed poppy seeds could potentially lead to a positive result on drug tests.