Black-eyed peas are just one of the more common field pea varieties but by no means are they the only variety. How many different types of field peas are there? Well, before that question is answered, it’s best to understand what field peas are. Read on to find out about growing field peas and information on field pea varieties.
The black-eyed pea is the most commonly available variety of all field peas—and what many are likely most familiar with. It’s also arguably the most humble variety of field peas: Though many favor it as a Southern staple or traditional holiday food, it doesn’t have the most robust flavor of the bunch.
Different Types of Field Peas
There are five seed types of field pea:
Within this grouping there are dozens of field pea varieties. Of course, most of us have heard of black-eyed peas, but how about Big Red Zipper, Rucker, Turkey Craw, Whippoorwill, Hercules, or Rattlesnake? Yes, these are all names for field peas, each name as unique as each pea is in its own way. Mississippi Silver, Colossus, Cow, Clemson Purple, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Texas Cream, Queen Anne, and Dixie Lee are all familiar southern pea names. If you want to try growing field peas, perhaps the biggest challenge is picking a variety. Once that task has been accomplished, growing field peas is fairly simple provided your region has warm enough temperatures. Field peas thrive in areas with soil temperatures of at least 60 degrees F. (16 C.) and no danger of frost for the entirety of its growing period. They are very tolerant of different soil conditions and drought. Most field peas will be ready to harvest between 90 and 100 days from planting.
What are Field Peas?
Field peas, also referred to as southern peas or cowpeas, are grown on over 25 million acres throughout the world. They are sold as a dry, shelled product and used for either human consumption or livestock food. Closely related to the garden pea, field peas are annual plants. They may have a vining habit to an erect habit. All stages are edible, from the blossoms to the immature pods, called snaps, to the mature pods full of peas and the overly mature pods full of dried peas.
Originating in India, field peas were exported to Africa and then brought to the United States in early colonial times during the slave trade where they became a staple in the southeastern states. Generations of southerners grew field peas in rice and corn fields to add nitrogen back into the soil. They thrived in the hot, dry soil and became valuable subsistence food sources for many poor people and their livestock.
Are black eyed beans and black eyed peas the same thing?
FAQ
Do field peas taste like black-eyed peas?
Are field beans the same as black-eyed peas?
What is another name for black-eyed peas?
What’s the difference between black-eyed peas and crowder peas?
Are Black Eyed Peas a type of field pea?
Yes, black eyed peas are a type of field pea. They belong to the legume family and are widely cultivated for their edible seeds, commonly used in various cuisines around the world. Black-eyed peas have a distinctive black spot or “eye” on their pale-colored seed coats. Are Black Eyed Peas Field Peas: Unraveling the Common Misconception
Are Black Eyed Peas high in magnesium?
Black eyed peas are considered a rich source of magnesium compared to other magnesium rich foods. A one cup serving of black eyed peas contains about 90 milligrams of magnesium, which is comparable to one cup of cooked brown rice. The recommended daily amount of magnesium for US men is 420 milligrams and for women; 320 milligrams. Analysis of data from the US national nutrition survey suggests about one-half of the US adult population may be at risk of inadequate magnesium intakes. Eating a varied diet that provides green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and nuts daily should provide most of an individual’s magnesium requirement.
Are Black-Eyed Peas the same as cowpeas?
Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis), on other hand belong specifically under cowpea variant but possess distinct characteristics setting them apart from traditional field pea varieties.Therein lies where most individuals mistake these two legumes as synonyms when discussing recipes or regional dishes.
Do Black Eyed Peas have black spots?
Black-eyed peas have a distinctive black spot or “eye” on their pale-colored seed coats. Are Black Eyed Peas Field Peas: Unraveling the Common Misconception The culinary world is full of misconceptions that often mislead even seasoned food enthusiasts. One such misconception revolves around black-eyed peas and their association with field peas.