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.
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
Nutrition declaration is pack-specific and must be completed before UK/EU sale.
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.
