They were often planted along the edges of fields to enrich the soil due to their high nitrogen fixing ability, and cattle would graze on the leaves and vines (hence the name cowpea.)
Why are they called cowpeas?
The first written reference of the word ‘cowpea’ appeared in 1798 in the United States. The name was most likely acquired due to their use as a fodder crop for cows. Black-eyed pea, a common name used for the unguiculata cultivar group, describes the presence of a distinctive black spot at the hilum of the seed.
What does cowpea mean?
Definition of cowpea
: a sprawling herb (Vigna unguiculata synonym V. sinensis) of the legume family related to the bean and widely cultivated in the southern U.S. for forage, green manure, and edible seeds also : its edible seed. — called also black-eyed pea, field pea.
What are cowpeas called?
cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata), also called black-eyed pea or southern pea, annual plant within the pea family (Fabaceae) grown for its edible legumes. The plants are thought to be native to West Africa and are widely cultivated in warm regions around the world.
Where did cowpeas originate from?
Africa
Cowpea was domesticated in Africa, likely in both West and East Africa, before 2500 BCE and by 400 BCE was long established in all the modern major production regions of the Old World, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, India, and Southeast Asia.
Are cowpeas and black-eyed peas the same thing?
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. Both peas and beans are legumes, and both have edible seeds and pods.
Is field peas and cow peas the same?
Field peas are cowpeas, so named because they were grown as a rotational crop in the fields instead of in kitchen gardens. Dozens of different types—what we now call heirloom selections—were grown in Southern communities that valued them for their flavor and ability to flourish in local conditions.
Can you eat cowpeas raw?
The pods are eaten raw or stir fried, and some may even add it to a soup or eat them steamed. Raw cowpeas are commonly added to papaya salad and make a great vegetable to dip into chili sauce dip.
What is the difference between bean and cowpea?
Moreover, beans have a more solid stem while peas have a hollowed-out stem. Hence, this is another difference between beans and peas. Besides, a further difference between beans and peas is that the beans can be consumed fresh or in their dried form while peas are mostly consumed in their dried form.
Are cow peas edible?
benefits of growing cowpeas in the garden
They attract pollinators and beneficial microorganisms, and of course, the beans and new growth are edible. The beans (25% protein), young shoots, pea pods, and leaves of a cowpea plant are all edible.
What are cowpeas good for?
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.
Is cowpea good for diabetes?
Cowpeas are inherently low in glycemic index, as compared to other legumes and lentils, assists diabetic patients to maintain the blood sugar levels within the normal range. Aside from this, the goodness of soluble dietary fibre and protein keep you satiated, delays gastric emptying time and control blood sugar spike.
Is cowpea good for weight loss?
Good for Weight Loss
Like other beans, cowpeas are a low-fat, and low-calorie food, which is extremely beneficial for weight loss. The sodium content of the vegetable is also very low.
Which country is the largest producer of cowpea?
Nigeria
Nigeria, the largest producer and consumer, accounts for 48% of production in Africa and 46% worldwide.
How long do cowpeas take to grow?
80 days
Cowpeas take 80 days or more to become ready for harvest. If growing on a vine, they will need some support like a pole or fence during their growth.
What class of food is cowpea?
legume
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a legume consumed as a high‐quality plant protein source in many parts of the world.
Why do they say to eat black-eyed peas on new year’s?
Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved, as many traditions do, into a number of variations – but most hold the theme of luck and prosperity that harkens back to the Civil War days when people felt lucky to have black-eyed peas to eat and help them survive through the winter.
Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas on new year’s?
On New Year’s Eve, many African-Americans make a point to cook black-eyed peas to usher in the new year, and as author John Egerton wrote in his book Southern Food, it is believed they have a “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck.”
Why do people eat black-eyed peas on new year’s day?
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.
Can you eat field peas raw?
The peas are edible at each stage. Snaps can be eaten raw, macerated in vinaigrette, or gently cooked, similar to haricots vert. Freshly shelled beans from mature pods should be cooked and can also be frozen for storage to good effect.
Can humans eat forage peas?
In terms of human consumption, field pea can be cooked and served as a soup or eaten on their own. Additionally, a cup of field pea provides around 10-13g of prebiotic carbohydrates, which are essential for gut health and to combat obesity. Peas also provide other nutrients such as iron and zinc.