Poppy - Field

The poppy is widely spread across the temperate zones of the world. The Romans looked on poppies as sacred to their corn goddess, Ceres, who taught men to sow and reap. The ancient Egyptians used the seed in their baking for its aromatic flavour. The field poppy grew on Flanders fields after the battles of World War I and became the symbol of Remembrance Day. The laboratory analysis of the opium poppy is historically the transition from the magical and religious use of plants to scientific use. It gives us morphine and codeine, our most important painkillers and also heroin, which is addictive and results in much human misery. Many countries strictly control its growth.

The ripe seeds can be collected from both field and opium poppies, the seed of which is not narcotic. It must however be ripe; otherwise it will go mouldy in store.

Sprinkle the ripe seeds on bread, cakes and biscuits for a pleasant nutty flavour. Add to curry powder for texture, flavour and as a thickener.

The oil extracted from the seed of the opium poppy is used not only as a salad oil and for cooking but also for burning in lamps and in the manufacture of varnish, paint and soap.

Warning: All parts of the opium poppy, except the ripe seeds are dangerous and should only be used by trained medical staff.