P In A To Z Poppies

P in A to Z poppies stands for poppy seeds that are found in the pods on the flowers of the Papaveraceae family. The poppy seed has many uses and they have been used through history in baking and in treating ailments.

The seeds of the poppy grow in pods and when the flowers drop their petals they will be ripe in the pod. Today many gardeners allow them to drop in the garden to seed them selves, however not all poppies pods are left to drop their seeds. Instead the seeds are collected and used in baking poppy seed rolls, breads cakes and other baked goods.

Poppy seeds are also used to make oil by pressing them twice, the first pressing is a cold pressing and oil is obtained that is a quality oil is similar to sunflower oil. This oil is used in several countries in place of olive oil, as it does not turn rancid as quickly.

The second pressing provides a poor quality of oil that can only be used for manufacturing products and by artists that use oil paint as their medium. Liniment, soap, varnish and oil for lamps are some of the things the second pressing of poppy seed oil is used for.

In the past poppy seeds have been used as a medicinal ingredient for all types of ailments from skin blemishes to asthma. When being used for a medicinal ingredient the seeds are powdered.

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