We all know that seeds are good for us, but did you know poppy seeds are especially beneficial? In many countries, they're a part of daily diets.
Here are 5 ways to make sure you include them in yours!
Eating poppy seeds can be a great way to enjoy your food. Did you know that they are rich in minerals like calcium, iron and zinc? They also contain tryptophan which is an amino acid that helps with sleep and protein synthesis.
1) The easiest way is to add some ground poppy seeds to your favourite bread recipe. They'll give it an extra crunch and flavour as well as protein and dietary fiber.
2) Poppy seed dressings on salads or even pasta can be delicious as well! One teaspoon of ground poppyseed will provide about 50% of the recommended dietary fibre intake per day.
The seeds have a mild, nut-like flavour and there are many varieties to choose from, so it's easy to make sure you're getting the one that suits your taste.
You could also try adding some poppy seed powder in place of regular flour or sugar when cooking--they add creamy texture as well as protein and fiber.
Don't forget about desserts! Poppy seed muffins can be eaten for breakfast or packed into lunch boxes alongside an apple and peanut butter sandwich; they're delicious with coffee at any time of day; plus, many bakers find ground poppyseed is particularly helpful when making their favourite slice cake recipe (it adds moisture).
Popping 50g per day will keep you feeling happy all morning
3) Add some crushed or whole poppy seeds into muffins, pancakes, waffles, quick breads or other baked goods like scones or biscuits. The flavour is complementary to many sweet baked goods and it helps contribute protein, dietary fiber, vitamin B-12, iron and zinc as well.
4) Poppy seed muffins with a cinnamon sugar topping. These healthy treats are made in minutes and can be served at any time of the day. Check out this recipe here: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a muffin tin or line with paper cups. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs; in another bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add poppy seeds to dry ingredients along with butter cut into pieces. Stir until just combined, then divide batter evenly among prepared tins (about ⅔ cup of batter per muffin for large size). Bake about 18 minutes, or until golden brown on top and an inserted skewer comes out clean from the centre of one of them if you poke it through their sides.
Servings: 12-18 depending on size*
5) Poppyseed waffles for breakfast topped with berries and whipped cream. This is a luxurious yet simple way to start your morning that will keep you full all through until lunchtime. Check out this recipe here: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. Whisk in melted butter or coconut oil until smooth. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and poppy seeds; stir just to combine (the batter will be lumpy). Heat the waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions, then spray with cooking spray or brush with butter before ladling in enough of the batter (in batches) for each waffle-we suggest about ½ cup per serving. Cook three minutes on one side, then flip over and cook two more minutes on the other side. Repeat process until all the batter is used up.
Servings: Up to 12 depending on size*
To sum it up...
Poppy seeds are an excellent source of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Unfortunately, the more we eat them in their raw form they could pose a risk to our health because they contain chemicals called opioids that can cause similar effects as morphine if consumed too much-so it's recommended not to exceed one or two tablespoons per day. They are best absorbed when ground up, so take a mortar and pestle to your poppy seeds before adding them into recipes for maximum benefit!
*Serving size may vary depending on recipe, but this is just an estimate based on general serving sizes for these ingredients used in past successful dishes from New Zealand cuisine.
Eating poppy seeds can be a delicious way of staying healthy!