Poppy seeds are a culinary delicacy, gracing the likes of puddings, cakes, pastries, breads, bagels, dressings and toppings. These little black seeds are nutty and fragrant. Add them to baked goods and salad dressings. Garnish grain dishes and fruit salads. Sauté with ghee or butter, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and fresh herbs; spoon over grains, fish and vegetables. Add to puddings, cakes, pastries, breads, bagels, dressings and toppings. Delicious mixed with cream cheese, honey and a dash of vanilla! Species: Papaver somniferum Other names: breadseed poppy Appearance: Small, bluish-black, round Teeny-tiny poppy seed are harvested from the dried seed pods of the lovely Papaver somniferum, aka the opium poppy. The seed can be white, bluish-black or black; each variety bears an edible oil that contains Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and other tocopherols belonging to the Vitamin E family and phytosterols which are plant compounds known to boost health and immunity.