Poppy seeds are nutritious oilseeds derived from the poppy plant. The seeds are small, slate blue in color, nutty and pleasant in taste, with a crisp texture. They do not contain narcotic properties. Poppy seeds have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. During the second century women used to cultivate this flower plant to include it in medications. Overall, poppy seeds are commonly used to add flavor to baked goods, cereal or healthy salad dressing; in addition, they are well known to provide numerous health benefits, and yield flavored oil that possesses nutritive qualities. Also, poppy seeds are less allergenic than many other seeds and nuts.