Poppies: Papaver somniferum 'Hungarian Breadseed'

description for "Poppies: Papaver somniferum 'Hungarian Breadseed'"

Baking with poppy seeds is a centuries-old tradition, and easy to grow, cold-tolerant poppies are a joy in the spring garden. This large-podded eastern European heirloom strain has luminous, ethereal white or pale lavender petals with contrasting dark center blotches and blue-green toothed leaves. The eye-catching flowers are followed by urn-shaped decorative pods full of tasty seeds delicious for cooking and baking. Homegrown poppy seed is wonderfully fresh, sweet and nutty tasting - you'll love it! Open a fully formed seed capsule to make sure the tiny seeds are black and hard, then cut seed pods stalks with long stems. Bunch pods upside down in a paper bag to dry fully, leaving it open for air circulation. When seeds are thoroughly dry, shake them out, clean any debris from seeds, and store in a closed jar or freeze. Toasted poppy seeds' nutty flavor enhances both sweet and savory breads, cakes and cookies and is delicious in salad dressing. - edited by dtd pbcouchman