Poppy seed is an oilseed obtained from the poppy (Papaver rhoeas). The tiny kidney-shaped seeds have been harvested from dried seed pods by various civilizations for thousands of years.
The seeds are used, whole or ground, as an ingredient in many foods – especially in pastry and bread, and they are pressed to yield poppyseed oil.
In a 100 gram amount, poppy seeds provide 525 Calories and are a rich source of thiamin, folate, and several essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc (table). Poppy seeds are composed of 6% water, 28% carbohydrates, 42% fat, and 21% protein.
