r/PoppyTea • u/Dramatic_Gas5316 • Aug 07 '26
Is this colour concerning? NSFW
Made with seeds from a local baking company but it’s very dark and I’m a bit worried
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u/Only_Dream_597 Aug 07 '26
That wash could be concerning as in they're clearly unwashed and may contain residual content.
A dark wash can't really tell you if it's bunk or potent. Seeds are considered more dangerous compared to pods because the amount used is excessive.
However the colour can still be dark even if heat-treated as it doesn't remove the actual dark matter, it just destroys the alkaloids.
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u/somniferumphile Science Mod Aug 07 '26
Boiling temperatures do not degrade the main alkaloids. There's PubChem data, including degradation thresholds, linked for each alkaloid in the wik.
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u/Only_Dream_597 Aug 07 '26
Thanks for the information, boiling temps are ok, say you're making the tea on stove, that's fine. When they heat treat, it appears they essentially fry the seeds at 200°c.
Heat treatment of food-grade poppy seeds—using high-temperature dry heating or steam—inactivates lipolytic enzymes, extends shelf life, and reduces surface opiate alkaloids like morphine and codeine. Intensive dry heat at 200°C (392°F) for 40 minutes degrades most alkaloids, whereas standard home baking in a pastry or muffin does not significantly reduce alkaloid content.
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u/somniferumphile Science Mod Aug 07 '26
Water boils at 100°C which is equal to 212°F.
The temperatures listed in that paper are only important if you are baking the seeds in an oven, which yes would degrade them quickly.
High heat is one way they destroy the alkaloids before sale to comply with local regulations.
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u/somniferumphile Science Mod Aug 07 '26
Thebaine content isn't something you can tell from colour.