Hello, Not sure if this thread is very active but I'm looking for info on when to harvest poppy pods. I like to dry the pods, make a really big batch of tea and then reduce the tea down to a thick goo that I can eat a little spoonfull of from time to time. So my question - is it preferable to harvest the pods as soon as the crowns are pointing up and then dry them? Does anything happen to the alkaloids if they are already dried at the time of harvest? Any help is appreciated!
Right after the pedals fall off the pod it starts to produce the seeds. Use a sharp knife or razor blade and cut into the pod making a vertical cut in 3 or 4 places around the pod. It will start oozing white sap. This sap drys dark brown or black a day later, but it will still be soft/goo... Scrape that off the pods and enjoy.
Thanks for the info! I did experiment with the method your describing a couple years ago. It was enjoyable but not really an option now due to the rain here. Also some pods are already pretty well dry and I'm curious if I lost any of the 'goodies' by letting the pods dry before cutting them down.
