- If you're looking for the hiphop group, see Black Eyed Peas.
Black-eyed peas, also called Black-eyed beans, cowpeas, lobiya or chawli, are a small, pale-coloured, edible bean with a black spot (nearly always called pea in the US, and either pea or bean elsewhere). Their currently accepted botanical name is Vigna unguiculata ssp. dekindtiana, though previously they were classified in genus Phaseolus. They are one of the cultivated subspecies of the cow bean.
Originally cultivated in Asia, and still grown for food in many countries there including India, as well as in Africa, black-eyed peas were introduced into the West Indies and from there to the Southern states of the USA. They are often used in "soul food" and in Southern dishes.
On New Year's Day in the American South, a traditional dish called "hoppin' john" is served, made of peas cooked with rice, pork (such as hog jowls, neckbone, or hock), and seasonings. It is supposed to bring good luck and also financial enrichment. The peas stand for the coins, while collard or mustard greens that are served with hoppin' john symbolize paper money. Corn bread also usually accompanies this meal.
Nutritionally, black-eyed peas are regarded as an excellent source of Calcium (211mg in a 1 cup serving), Folate (209mcg), and Vitamin A (1,305 IU).
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