Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a variety of the cowpea and are part of the family of beans & peas (Leguminosae or Fabaceae in the USA). Although called a pea, it is actually a bean.
Why do they call black-eyed peas cowpeas?
Of Southern traditions, black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day ranks right on top. Folklore tells that this tradition dates back to the Civil War when black-eyed peas were called field peas and were considered to be food for animals. (This may be how they acquired the common name ‘cowpeas’ or ‘Southern peas’.)
Is there another name for black-eyed peas?
The black-eyed pea is also called black-eyed bean, ChawaLie, Lobia, etc.
What are black-eyed peas called in the South?
cowpea
What are the different names for southern peas? The southern pea, Vigna unguiculata, has its own lexicon of names. Yankees call it the cowpea, a name never heard south of the lilac–crape myrtle line. Southerners also know it as the black-eyed-pea, the pink eye pea, the purple hull pea, the cream pea or the crowder.
Is black-eyed peas and black-eyed beans the same thing?
Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, black-eyed beans, or goat peas, are a bean grown throughout the world. Records show that the bean was brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans as early as 1674.
What is another name for cowpeas?
cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata), also called black-eyed pea or southern pea, annual plant within the pea family (Fabaceae) grown for its edible legumes.
Why do black people eat black-eyed peas on New Years?
According to legendary Southern food researcher John Egerton’s Southern Food: At Home, On the Road, In History, black-eyed peas are associated with a “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck.” As for collard greens, they’re green like money and will ensure you a financially prosperous new year.
What is the closest thing to a black-eyed pea?
Black-Eyed Peas Substitute
If necessary, you can substitute another type of bean for black-eyed peas—Pinkeye Purple Hull peas, also known as Southern Pink Lady peas, are another, lesser-known Southern staple and variety of cowpea would be an excellent choice.
What’s the closest thing to black-eyed peas?
Substitute For Black Eyed Peas
Fresh Cranberry (borlotti) OR – Fresh lima beans – these are very easy to find when they are in season, which is typically summer and fall. OR – Fresh Romano beans – usually available in the summer. OR – Fresh Kentucky wonder green beans.
Are black-eyed peas good for cholesterol?
May help to lower cholesterol
People can eat black-eyed peas as part of a Mediterranean diet, which can also lower LDL cholesterol.
Why do you put a penny in black-eyed peas?
One unusual but common New Year’s Day black-eyed peas tradition involves putting actual money in the dish. Some add to their “luck” by cooking their pot of peas with a penny or dime inside. Whoever gets the bowl with the coin in it, according to legend, has the best luck for the new year.
Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas?
Why Are Black Eyed Peas Good Luck? The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. Originally they were used as food for livestock and later as a food staple for enslaved people in the South.
Are cowpeas and crowder peas the same?
The Crowder Pea Story
Field peas, crowder peas, cream peas (along with blackeye peas) are all part of a larger species of beans commonly called “cowpeas” or “Southern peas.” Despite their names, none of these varieties is actually a pea.
Should I soak black-eyed peas before cooking?
Do you have to soak black eyed peas? It’s not necessary to soak dried black eyed peas, but soaking will reduce the cooking time from an hour to about 30 minutes using any method. If you already soaked your dried black eyed peas, just cut the cook time in half using any cooking method listed above.
Do you have to soak black-eyed peas before you cook them?
Soaking is not essential for black-eyed peas, but cooking time can be shortened if they get a quick soak in hot water (as opposed to a longer one in cold water, like other beans). Place dried peas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to stand for 60-90 minutes.
Which is healthier black-eyed peas or lentils?
Lentil has more Iron, Vitamin B6, and Fiber, while Cowpea (Black-eyed pea) has more Folate. Lentil contains 2 times more Vitamin B3 than Cowpea (Black-eyed pea). While Lentil contains 1.06mg of Vitamin B3, Cowpea (Black-eyed pea) contains only 0.495mg.
What is cowpea called in English?
cowpea in American English
1. a plant, Vigna unguiculata, extensively cultivated in the southern U.S. for forage, soil improvement, etc. 2. the seed of this plant, used for food. Also called: black-eyed pea.
Are cowpeas good to eat?
Black-eyed peas are highly nutritious and associated with many impressive health benefits. In particular, they may help support weight loss, improve heart health, and promote digestive health. They’re also versatile, delicious, and easy to incorporate into a number of recipes as part of a healthy diet.
What are the different types of cowpeas?
Black-eyed peaLower classifications
Why do you eat cornbread on new year’s Day?
Cornbread – Representing gold, eating cornbread brings with it the hope of extra spending money in the new year. Pork – Another symbol of prosperity, eating pork is a tradition many cultures around the world believe.
What should you not eat on new year’s Day?
What NOT To Eat On New Year’s Day
- Poultry & Winged Fowl. You should avoid eating anything with wings on New Year’s Day because it is believed your good luck will “fly away” with your meal.
- Lobster, Shrimp & Crab.
- Bottom-Feeding Fish.
- White-Colored Foods.
- Short Noodles.
- Keep Leftovers.
- Don’t Pass the Knife.