Spice guide / White poppy seed
What is White poppy seed?
White poppy seed (posto / khus khus) for thickening gravies.
Short answer: White poppy seed (Hindi: खसखस) is Papaver somniferum (culinary seed). Nutty, creamy. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | White poppy seed |
|---|---|
| Hindi | खसखस |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Papaver somniferum (culinary seed) |
| Family | — |
| Origin | India — regulated commodity; follow destination food-law for poppy seed |
| Main producing regions | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Flavour | Nutty, creamy |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | seeds |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is White poppy seed?
Culinary white poppy seed is used in Bengali posto and many kormas. Import rules for poppy seed can be strict — compliance field required.
History of White poppy seed
Origin
India — regulated commodity; follow destination food-law for poppy seed
Growing regions
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Nutty, creamy. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
White poppy seed is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Korma
- Posto
- Sweets
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
White poppy seed is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Retail packs typically run from 100g to 5kg. Bulk starts at 10kg. Selling prices are checkout prices. Indian market figures, when present, are indicative only.
