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Poppy Seed

Papaver somniferum L.

poppy seed

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Wellness Goal: Culinary Use
Plant Family: Papaveraceae
Plant Part: Seed
Preparation Method: Culinary
Flavor Profile: Earthy

Safety Notes

IMPORTANT AND WORTH KNOWING: eating poppy seeds, even in normal culinary amounts (such as on a bagel), can cause a positive result on a standard opiate drug test for a day or more afterward, due to trace natural opiate content on the seed coat from processing. This is a well-documented, genuine phenomenon sometimes called "the poppy seed defense" in legal and workplace drug-testing contexts — worth being aware of before an upcoming drug test. Beyond this practical consideration, mature poppy seed is not considered to pose a meaningful toxicity or safety risk in normal culinary amounts.

This is educational information, not medical advice. See our full Disclaimer before use.

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