See also: Beans, Dried
BLACK-EYED PEA
Black-eyed peas are actually a variety of bean, despite their name.
Black-eyed peas were brought to the West Indies from West Africa by slaves, by earliest records in 1674. Originally used as food for livestock, they became a staple of the slaves’ diet - and so during the Civil War, black-eyed peas (field peas) were ignored by Sherman’s troops. Left behind in the fields (along with corn), they became important food for the Confederate South.
In the American South, eating black-eyed peas and greens (such as collards) on New Year’s Day is considered good luck: the peas symbolize coins and the greens symbolize paper money. They are a key ingredient in Hoppin’ John (peas, rice and pork) and part of African-American “soul food.”
Library of Congress www.loc.gov
Cowpea is another name for black-eyed-peas. Other names are China bean and black eyed bean. They are native to Asia and Africa, but have been cultivated since ancient times in China. They are grown throughout the southern U.S. as a hay crop and for human consumption.
Black-eyed Beans have a scented aroma, creamy texture and distinctive flavor. These beans are characterized by their kidney shaped, white skin with a small black eye and very fine wrinkles. Originally from Africa, it is one of the most widely dispersed beans in the world. Black-eyed peas are really a type of pea, which gives it its distinctive flavor and rapid cooking potential, with no pre-soaking needed.
CDC.gov - 5 a Day
Also see: Food Articles and Cooking Tips
You are here > Home >
Please feel free to link to any pages of FoodReference.com from your website.
For permission to use any of this content please E-mail: james@foodreference.com
All contents are copyright © 1990 - 2024 James T. Ehler and www.FoodReference.com unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved. You may copy and use portions of this website for non-commercial, personal use only.
Any other use of these materials without prior written authorization is not very nice and violates the copyright.
Please take the time to request permission.
FOOD TRIVIA and FOOD FACTS
Popular Pages
CULINARY SCHOOLS
& COOKING CLASSES
From Amateur & Basic Cooking Classes to Professional Chef Training & Degrees
Home | Articles | FOOD TRIVIA | Today in Food History | Food_Timeline | Recipes | Cooking_Tips | Food Quotes | Who’s Who | Culinary Schools and Tours | Food_Trivia_Quizzes | Food Poems | Free Magazines | Food Festivals & Events
FoodReference.com (since 1999)
FOOD TRIVIA and FOOD FACTS SECTION