Poppy Seed

Poppy seed is used as an ingredient in many foods. The tiny kidney-shaped seeds are used whole or ground, often as a topping or filling in various baked goods. They are harvested from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) seed pods, and have been cultivated by various civilisations. The Sumerians grew them; and the seed is mentioned in ancient medical texts from many civilisations. For instance, the Egyptian papyrus scroll named Ebers Papyrus, written ca. 1550 BCE, lists poppy seed as a sedative. The Minoans, a Bronze Age civilisation which arose on the island of Crete, cultivated poppies for their seed. Since poppy seeds are relatively expensive, they are sometimes mixed with the seeds of Amaranthus paniculatus, which closely resemble poppy seeds. Poppy seeds have long been used as a folk remedy to aid sleeping, promote fertility and wealth, and even to provide magical powers of invisibility. In India, Iran and Turkey poppy seeds are known as Khaskhas or Hashas (pronounced: "Hashhash" or in Persian: "Khash Khaash") and is considered a highly nutritious food item, mostly added in dough while baking bread,and is recommended for pregnant women and new mothers. In Maharashtra, India, Khaskhas is used to garnish Anarsa, a special sweet prepared during the festival of Diwali.