Benefit of Poppy Seed Oil

Poppy Seed Oil

Organic Poppy Seed Oil is obtained from the small dark seeds of the poppy flower. It is a good choice for salad dressings because of its smooth, subtle flavor. It also works well as a condiment, especially for dipping crusty bread. Our fresh, unrefined poppy seed oil has a pleasant nutty flavour and a very light viscosity. Making poppy seed oil ideal for hot summer days when you are looking for a light salad oil.

What is Poppy Seed Oil used for?

You may see Poppy Seed Oil in a variety of places — from fine dining restaurants to natural product shops and art supply stores. This rare oil has also been used for making various varnishes, paints, and soaps. At the present time, fresh and unrefined poppy seed oil is more difficult to come by as it has been replaced by cheaper and faster growing oil plants.

The oil content of the poppy seeds varies depending on their color and where they are grown. Poppy seeds can come in a variety of different colors, including red, white, purple, yellow, and blue. On average, poppy seeds can yield 45 to 50 percent oil. It also depends on how fresh the seeds are and how they are being dried. Highly processed seeds usually contain less oil and have less of the typical poppy flavour.

Ostro Organics Poppy Seed Oil is crafted using an extra cold-pressing method. Cold pressing at our facility uses as little pressure as possible to release the oil from the seeds and is performed with as little heat as possible. Too much friction and pressure causes heat to destroy flavours and benefits of the poppy seed oil.

Furthermore, we do not refine the fresh oil, neither do we further process it with filtration machines. We only sell the oils fresh, offering a real experience true to nature's intent.

Growing - Harvesting - Drying Poppy Seeds

The world's largest exporters and manufacturers of poppy seeds are Turkey, Australia and India. Most countries allow the cultivation of poppy as it's an important ingredient in the food industry. Canada is relying on imports and does not allow farmers to grow the popular baking ingredient and oil crop.

Once the poppy has flowered and the pod developed, the farmer has to wait until the pods are dried on the field. Then the a combiner can harvest and separate the seeds from the pods.

The seeds are cleaned and dried - preferably air dried over time. This reduces the water content in the seeds. As less water content means less weight, most processors recommend storing the seeds cold or refrigerated to avoid spoilage.

Antioxidant properties

Antioxidants are compounds that help to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are produced as part of normal metabolism. Sometimes, they can damage your cells, possibly leading to conditions like cancer, diabetes, etc.

Research from 2013 observed strong antioxidant activity in poppy seed oil. But it’s worth noting that these antioxidant activities were also seen in other oils.

A 2009 study found that poppy seed oil contains alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. Tocopherols are antioxidants and naturally-occurring forms of vitamin E.

Conclusion

Poppyseed oil contains antioxidants, including naturally occurring vitamin E, which may lower the risk of various health conditions. However, further research is needed to investigate the antioxidant effects of poppy seed oil.

A Little Poppy History

Poppy Seed Oil is derived from the seeds of the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. This plant has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years and is used for a variety of purposes.

Poppies are most commonly known for producing opium, which is used prescription drugs like morphine and codeine.

The seeds from the poppy plant are often used in cooking and baking. Poppy seed oil has several potential uses in cooking, baking as well on your skin and body.

Canada is cu

Blocking Canadian Farmers From Growing Lucrative Crop

Poppy seeds are an all time favorite for bakeries and as such are imported by the tonnes. Unfortunately the Health Canada does currently not allow farmers to grow or harvest this lucrative crop.

Similar to growing industrial hemp, change will eventually come, after all, we've got favorable weather and plenty of land, isolated land that is. More so we have the consumers that love to eat poppy seeds on bagels and more and more people love the taste of fresh poppy seed oil. So give it a couple more years, and we'll hopefully see red and purple poppy fields scattered around our Canada.

Three Recipe Ideas for Every Season

Orange-Poppy Dressing

Poppy Oil Smoothie

Banana Bread-Poppy Oil

Poppy Seeds Oil and Opium

Organic Poppy Seed Oil and poppy seeds should not contain any opium. Opium comes from poppy latex, which is a milky white liquid in the poppy pod.

Poppy latex can sometimes contaminate the seeds during harvest, as not all pods are fully dried out when combined. This can give them a small amount of opium content.

Because of this, it is possible that you can get a false positive on a drug screen if you have recently consumed poppy seeds. However, there is currently no evidence of this regarding the use of poppy seed oil.

Poppy Seed oil Possible Side Effects

Although rare, allergies to poppy seeds and poppy seed oil have been reported. If you have an allergic reaction while using poppy seed oil, stop using it right away. Additionally, be on the lookout for anaphylaxis, a medical emergency with symptoms such as hives, swelling in the throat or face, coughing or wheezing, trouble breathing.

It’s also possible that topical application of poppy seed oil may cause skin irritation. Test a little bit of poppy seed oil on your skin before applying larger amounts. If you experience redness, itching, or pain, discontinue it's use.

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