Botanical name - Papaver somniferum
Country of Origin - Australia
The nutty flavour and satisfying crunch of poppy seeds are traditionally enjoyed in salad dressings, cakes and spice blends. The tiny seeds are great sprinkled on breads, crackers, pretzels and rolls, and sprinkled on salads and noodles.
Poppy plants have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The ancients used poppy seed oil and made honey cakes (similar to baklava) with the seeds. Much like bakers today, the Romans also used the little blue seeds to decorate breads. Ancient Egyptians used poppy seeds as a condiment, while the ancient Greeks harvested the seeds to use in cakes and to serve Olympic athletes who needed some added vigour.