Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus)

Poppy seed
Khus Khus • Poppy Seeds • Posta • Kasa Kasa • Gasagase • Gase Gase • Avalu • Khashkhash

Khus khus are tiny edible seeds obtained from the poppy plant. These seeds are usually:

• white
• off-white
• cream-colored
• mildly nutty in flavor

Poppy seed (Khus Khus) is often appreciated because, despite being tiny, it naturally contains a combination of:

• healthy fats
• minerals, like, calcium, magnesium, phosphoorus, iron , zinc
• plant compounds
• mild protein
• calming nutritional properties

In many old Indian households:

• khus khus was soaked and ground into paste
• used as a natural thickener
• added to cooling summer recipes
• mixed into sweets and milk preparations

Different regions of India developed their own famous recipes using khus khus.

Thandai

Khus khus is an important ingredient in traditional thandai recipes.

Usually blended with:

• fennel
• almonds
• black pepper
• melon seeds
• saffron
• rose

This rich cooling drink was traditionally enjoyed during hot weather and festivals.

Rich Mughlai Gravies

Khus khus paste is widely used in:

• korma
• white gravies
• royal curries

Why?
Because it naturally thickens and creates creamy texture without packaged cream.

In South India, especially with kasa kasa:

• used in curries
• chutneys
• desserts
• payasam

The paste gives smoothness and mild sweetness.

In Ayurveda, khus khus has traditionally been viewed as:

• cooling in nature
• nourishing
• grounding
• calming when used moderately