Poppy seed is the dried seed of Papaver somniferum, an erect annual herb, 30-150 cm long with a 0.5-1.5 cm thick stem. The stem of the plant is smooth and glossy with a thick waxy coating. The plant has numerous leaves but few flowers. The fruit is a capsule with a waxy coating, while the seeds are numerous, very small, white grey with an oily endosperm. This seed is the spice, loved for its nutty aroma and taste. It is popularly used for adding a rich texture and flavour to dishes, as well as for its medicinal properties.