Indian Name: Khush Khush
Scientific Name: Papaver somniferum
Fam Papaveraceae

Other Names
Mawseed, Opium Poppy

French: pavot somnifre, oeillette
German: Mohn (samen)
Italian: papavero
Spanish: adormidera, amapola (Poppy)
Indian: kus-kus, khus(h)-khus(h), cus-cus
Tamil: kasakasa

Papaver somniferum is also the opium poppy, native to the Middle East and now grown in China, Indo-China, India and Afghanistan. An inert variety grows wild and is also cultivated in Europe and North America. The plant’s species name, somniferum, means ‘sleep inducing’ and it is this narcotic effect that has provided so much incentive to its cultivation.

Blue Poppy seeds are considered ‘European’ poppy seeds because they are the kind seen most often on Western breads, bagels and in confectionery. White poppy seeds are often referred to as ‘Indian’, ‘Middle Eastern’ or ‘Asian’ since they are featured in these cuisines. There is actually very little difference in flavour between the two, so usage is more a question of aesthetics or availability.

On top of vegan baked goods, poppy seeds can be difficult to taste. You really need to try them by themselves to get an idea of the flavor.

Poppy seeds are vaguely nutty, perhaps even a little bit woody. Even plain, poppy seeds are extremely mild in flavor, which is why they’re used so often as a versatile topping—for the texture.

In the West, the blue poppy seeds are used principally in confectionery and in baking. Like several other spicy seeds, they are sprinkled on breads and buns and used in a variety of Western cakes and pastries, for example in poppy cakes, strudels and Danish pastries. Poppy seed complements honey spread an bread, giving a nice contrast of texture.

Fried in butter, poppy seed can be added to noodles or pasta. It flavours vegetables and their accompanying sauces, especially asparagus and root vegetables. Sprinkled into coleslaw, the seeds give a contrast of both colour and texture. They are used to top creamed potatoes and au gratin dishes, and sometimes appear in fish dishes.