Poppy milk

A traditional beverage made from poppy seeds

Poppy milk

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A glass of poppy milk

Poppy milk is a traditional beverage made from poppy seeds, commonly consumed in some Eastern European countries, particularly during the Christmas season. It is known for its nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Preparation

Poppy milk is prepared by soaking poppy seeds in water, grinding them to release their oils, and then straining the mixture to obtain a milky liquid. The process involves several steps:

1. Soaking: The poppy seeds are soaked in water for several hours or overnight to soften them.
2. Grinding: The soaked seeds are ground, often using a mortar and pestle or a blender, to create a paste.
3. Straining: The paste is mixed with water and strained through a fine cloth or sieve to separate the liquid from the solid residue.
4. Sweetening: The resulting liquid is often sweetened with honey or sugar to enhance its flavor.

Cultural significance

Poppy milk holds cultural significance in various Eastern European traditions. It is particularly associated with Lithuanian and Latvian Christmas Eve celebrations, where it is served as part of the traditional meal known as K__ios or K__ios.

In these cultures, poppy milk is often consumed with k__iukai, small, sweet pastries or biscuits that are soaked in the milk. This combination is a staple of the Christmas Eve dinner, symbolizing prosperity and peace.

Nutritional aspects

Poppy milk is rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, derived from the poppy seeds. It is also a source of healthy fats and protein. However, due to its preparation method, it may contain trace amounts of opium alkaloids, although these are generally not present in significant quantities to cause any psychoactive effects.

Related pages

• Poppy seed
• K__ios
• Lithuanian cuisine
• Latvian cuisine