On our farm, Istanbul Poppy harvests begin on bright, calm spring mornings. A digger loosens the roots of these vibrant, sunny yellow-orange plants, then our farm crew and interns gently pull them from the soil, gathering them one armful at a time.

We pile the plants high in a wagon and head to the barn to wash them. The entire flowering plant then dries on screens. From there, Istanbul Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) will go to our laboratory to be tested, then to our production facility to be extracted.

Though Istanbul Poppy is generally grown as a perennial in temperate climates, here at MedAgo Herbs & Chemical industry LLC. Şti, we grow it as an annual. These fields are amazing to see when they’re in full bloom, with row after row of knee-high flowers.

Herb at a glance
Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica
Common name(s): Istanbul Poppy
Native habitat: Western Turkey
Parts used: Whole flowering plant
Botanical description: Solitary golden flowers with four petals, on long stems with alternate leaves
Use(s): traditionally used for calming support for the nervous system.*
Flavor profile: bitter with mild aromatic notes