Blue poppy seeds have become rooted in Polish tradition, but at the same time they have not found their way into the everyday menu. It is treated rather as an ingredient from holiday to holiday, although it has enormous culinary and health-promoting potential. Aromatic, crunchy and full of nutritional value, it can become more than just an addition to yeast cakes. When there is some leftover after Christmas Eve this year, use it for dinner. Not only does it taste delicious, but it actually helps take care of your health.
Poppy seeds are small, blue seeds a plant present in Europe for thousands of years. In Poland, it was used in the past both in folk medicine and in cooking. The plant blooms from June to August, and the poppy seeds (multi-seeded capsules) are collected when they dry (usually in September) – then the small seeds are ready for extraction. They have a characteristic, slightly nutty flavor and intense aroma that is released during grinding.
Today, the poppy is clearly associated with Christmas. It goes into , strudel, kutia or poppy seed dumplings and creates a festive atmosphere. No wonder that many of us only buy it once a yearbecause it is difficult to break it away from the Christmas tradition. However, this product is very versatile and can enrich your diet all year round. It doesn’t have to be used only in sweet baked goods. It will successfully enhance the taste of pancakes, stuffings, oatmeal or yogurt, and even vegetable dishes and those with cheese.
It’s worth reminding yourself that poppy seeds were absolutely common in our grandmothers’ kitchen – it was added to improve health and diversify dishes. Today, when natural ingredients and foods rich in nutritional value are fashionable, you can return to it.
Poppy seeds are very valuable seedswhich can become part of your daily diet. Although it is high in calories (100 grams contain approximately 500 kcal), most of the energy comes from healthy, unsaturated fats that support the circulatory system. It is also a great source of fiber regulates intestinal function and helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.
However, microelements are more valuable. Poppy seeds contain a large dose of calcium (even more than some dairy products), iron, magnesium, zinc and copper. Thanks to this composition supports bones and the nervous system, improves concentration and regeneration of the body (e.g. helps with muscle spasms). High magnesium content additionally has a calming effect – it’s no wonder that poppy seeds used to appear in dishes eaten in the evening, before going to sleep. It also provides the body with B vitamins (including folic acid), vitamin A, D and E.
Poppy seeds are also rich in antioxidants they slow down the aging process and support immunity. It also contains lignans and phytosterols – natural plant compounds, helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels. As a result, eating the seeds regularly may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Who should eat poppy seeds? Virtually everyone who has no contraindications. They will especially benefit people with iron deficiency, muscle cramps, sleep disorders, concentration problems and high stress levels. In plant-based cuisine, poppy seeds are valued as a way to increase the calcium and healthy fat content in the diet. Only people allergic to poppy seeds and those who need to limit the calorie content of their diet should be careful (poppy seeds are healthy, but filling). Pregnant women and children under 2 years of age should not eat it in excess due to the slight psychoactive effect of poppy seeds.
Blue poppy seeds should be scalded to remove their bitter taste. When exposed to hot water (or milk), it swells and becomes wetter. This makes it softer and much easier to grind later. You can also buy a ground product in the store, which just needs to be poured with water and strained.
Although we most often think of poppy seeds in the context of desserts, its use is much broader. Among baked goods and sweets, the product is mainly added to poppy seed cakes, strudel, buns, kutia, cheesecakes and sponge cakes. You can also add it to shortcrust cookies, muffins, pancakes and pancakes (they have a more interesting texture, become slightly crunchy and have more aroma).
However, the possibilities do not end there. Poppy seeds work great in savory cuisine. You can Sprinkle it on bread or puff pastry snacksadd to breading of vegetable or fish cutletsenrich stuffing – for example, for dumplings or patties. In combination with cottage cheese gives a delicate, slightly nutty flavor, or elegant tarts. It fits too for saladsespecially with beetroot, goat cheese and citrus fruits.
Poppy seeds can also be added for oatmeal, millet, smoothie, muesli and yogurt – thanks to this, the meal gains nutritional value and interesting consistency. Ground poppy seeds combined with honey or maple syrup can become aromatic cream for spreading sweet bread or omelets. It is worth experimenting, because the ingredient offers more possibilities than you might think.
Poppy seeds are one of the most underrated products in our kitchen. Although we associate it mainly with holidays, it is also worth introducing it into the daily menu. It is full of iron, magnesium, calcium and healthy fats that will support the heart and immunity and soothe the nerves. And it simply tastes great – both in desserts and savory dishes.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, go4taste.pl
