Mystery ingredient: Black-eyed peas

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/02/2012 (5262 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What is it?

A legume and sub-species of cowpea that has been cultivated since Neolithic times. They originated in either Africa or Asia, depending on the source, and probably arrived in the United States from Africa with the slave trade in the 17th century. The peas are a staple in the soul food tradition of the Southern states.

According to Southern folklore, they should be the first food eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The peas swell when cooked, symbolizing prosperity.

Black eyed peas
Black eyed peas

Looks like:

The medium-sized, kidney-shaped peas are normally white to yellow with a small black dot at the centre that could be said to resemble a single eye.

Tastes like:

The flavour is often described as nutty, earthy and buttery. Even avid fans admit the peas are something of an aquired taste.

Used in:

Black-eyed peas are mostly famously part of a traditional Southern meal where they’re cooked with pork and diced onion and served with a hot chili sauce or pepper-flavoured vinegar. The meal also includes cooked greens (collard, mustard or turnip), ham and cornbread.

Found at: Young’s Market, 1000 McPhillips St.

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