Composition
100% Whole Poppy Seeds — Papaver somniferum
No added colour, flavour, preservative, filler or other ingredient when supplied as a single seed product.
Botanical Information
- Common Name: Poppy Seeds
- Indian Name: Khaskhas / Khas Khas
- Bengali Name: Posto
- Botanical Name: Papaver somniferum L.
- Family: Papaveraceae
- Plant Part: Seed
- Form: Whole Dried Seeds
- Category: Food / Botanical Seed
- Appearance: Small kidney-shaped seeds, generally white, cream or pale grey
- Aroma: Mild, characteristic nutty aroma
- Taste: Mild, nutty and characteristic
What Are Poppy Seeds?
Poppy Seeds are the mature dried seeds of Papaver somniferum. In Indian cuisine, they are widely known as Khaskhas and are used as a culinary ingredient.
The seeds are supplied whole, allowing them to be used directly or processed by grinding, soaking or other culinary preparation methods.
Product Features
- 100% whole poppy seeds.
- Botanical identity specified as Papaver somniferum.
- Whole seed format.
- Suitable for culinary applications where legally permitted.
- Mild nutty flavour profile.
- Useful as a food ingredient in appropriate recipes.
- Can be ground or processed for culinary preparation.
- No added ingredients when supplied as a single seed product.
- Natural variation in seed colour and size may occur.
Culinary Uses
Khaskhas is traditionally used in various food preparations, including:
- Gravies and sauces
- Indian sweets
- Baked preparations
- Curries
- Desserts
- Seed-based pastes
- Garnishing
- Regional traditional recipes
Use only in accordance with applicable food regulations and the intended culinary application.
How to Use
Poppy Seeds may be:
- Used whole as a food ingredient.
- Lightly roasted for selected recipes.
- Soaked and ground into a paste.
- Added to desserts and sweets.
- Used in gravies and traditional culinary preparations.
- Used as a topping or garnish where appropriate.
Follow the recipe and applicable food-use requirements.
Preparation
A general food-processing sequence may include:
Seed collection → Cleaning → Sorting → Quality inspection → Grading → Packaging
For culinary use, the seeds may subsequently be washed, soaked, roasted or ground according to the recipe.
Whole vs Powder
| Product | Form |
|---|---|
| Poppy Seeds Whole | Whole dried seeds |
| Poppy Seeds Crushed | Coarsely crushed seeds |
| Poppy Seeds Powder | Finely ground seeds |
This product is supplied as whole seeds.
Natural Characteristics
Poppy Seeds may naturally vary in:
- White, cream or pale grey colour
- Seed size
- Shape
- Aroma
- Texture
- Moisture content
Natural variation can occur because of cultivar, origin, harvest and storage conditions.
Quality Characteristics
Good-quality poppy seeds should have:
- Correct botanical identity
- Clean and properly dried seeds
- Uniform seed appearance
- Low foreign matter
- No visible mould
- No insect infestation
- No unusual odour
- Appropriate moisture
- Good seed integrity
- Hygienic packaging
- Batch traceability
Quality Testing
For food applications, relevant testing may include:
Physical Testing
- Appearance
- Colour
- Seed size
- Moisture
- Foreign matter
- Odour
Food Safety Testing
Where applicable:
- Microbial limits
- Aflatoxins
- Pesticide residues
- Heavy metals
- Relevant food-contaminant parameters
Storage
Store Poppy Seeds:
- In a cool, dry place.
- In an airtight container.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Away from excessive humidity.
- Away from insects and pests.
- Away from strong external odours.
Refrigeration may be considered where appropriate for longer storage, particularly in warm conditions.
Packaging
Use suitable food-grade, moisture-resistant and contamination-resistant packaging.
The final food label should contain all mandatory declarations applicable to the product's regulatory classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Poppy Seeds?
Poppy Seeds are the dried seeds of Papaver somniferum and are commonly known as Khaskhas in India.
What is the botanical name of Khaskhas?
The botanical name is Papaver somniferum L.
What is Khaskhas called in India?
Common names include Khaskhas, Khas Khas and Posto, with regional variations.
Are these whole poppy seeds?
Yes. This product is supplied as whole seeds.
Can poppy seeds be ground?
Yes. Whole seeds can be ground for culinary preparations such as gravies, pastes, desserts and other recipes.
Are poppy seeds used in cooking?
Yes. They are used as a culinary ingredient in various Indian and regional food preparations, subject to applicable regulations.
How should poppy seeds be stored?
Store them in a cool, dry and airtight place, protected from moisture, heat, insects and contamination.
Important Regulatory Note
Poppy seeds are a regulated food commodity in some jurisdictions. This listing is for the whole seed as a culinary/food ingredient and does not describe any extraction, processing or use involving controlled substances.
Always ensure that sourcing, sale, import/export, labelling and use comply with the applicable laws and food regulations of the destination market.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general food, botanical and culinary product-information purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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