Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you don't soak poppy seeds before baking? ›

baking with poppy seeds

Soaking poppy seeds in milk can bring out the natural sweetness of the seeds, as well as soften the crunchy texture. Soaking in milk makes the seeds more easily digestible, and also helps to release their natural oils, which adds an extra burst of flavor to recipes.

Many bakers are used to toasting nuts and sesame seeds before baking them, and poppies are no different.

Soaking seeds in water before cooking or baking softens them, unlocking the nutrition inside (much like rain would in nature), and allowing our bodies access to absorb the health benefits of seeds. Poppy seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.

At least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before making the batter, stir the poppy seeds into 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water (this step softens the poppy seeds so they are more digestible). Let sit at room temperature. Then strain. In a bowl, whisk or sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Most seeds are absorbent and can make a dough and bread too dry if you don't account for their thirstiness. You can soak seeds overnight, strain them, and add them to a bread dough during mixing (easiest) or during an early round of stretching and folding the dough (better gluten development).

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

Poppy seeds are rich in fiber, essential omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, thiamin, folate, and zinc. Used in higher doses, some studies suggest unwashed poppy seeds added to tea have eased anxiety and promoted sleep.

Poppy seeds come with rich and heart-friendly nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also promotes blood pressure regulation by reducing the risk of hypertension.

Since they are good for diabetes, they are used in many recipes for diabetes, too. While they have a peculiar nutty taste, they are highly recommended when you need to add a nice aroma to any cuisine. Different variants of Poppy seeds are readily available.

Do poppy seeds affect drug tests? Poppy seeds don't have nearly enough opiates to intoxicate you. But because drug tests are exquisitely sensitive, consuming certain poppy seed food products can lead to positive urine drug test results for opiates – specifically for morphine, codeine or both.

Often used in Middle Eastern and Eastern European cuisine, poppy seeds can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. I was curious why poppyseeds are often combined with lemon, and it turns out this combo is popular because the acidity of the lemon helps balance out the richness of the poppy seeds.

Is the breadseed poppy legal? ›

Present federal law states that the entire poppy plant is illegal, but that the seed, which is used for culinary purposes and has very low alkaloid levels, is not.

In the fall, shake the seeds from the pod over well-prepared soil in a sunny flower bed. Water the seeds daily with a gentle shower from the hose. After the seedlings emerge and begin to grow, thin them and taper off the watering from daily to every few days to weekly, depending on the amount of rain.

Poppy seeds can actually have a varied shelf life depending on how they are stored. In a pantry, unopened and properly sealed, they can remain good for up to 4 years. Once opened, if stored correctly they can still last about 4-6 months beyond their 'best by' date printed on the package.

Poppy seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Poppy seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden 3mm deep and 30cm apart.

Concentrations of the Opium Alkaloids Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine in Poppy Seeds are Reduced after Thermal and Washing Treatments but are Not Affected when Incorporated in a Model Baked Product.