Are Black-Eyed Peas Actually Peas?

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.

Are 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.

Why are beans called Black Eyed Peas?

The vegetable gets its name from the black “eye” in the center of the bean, where the bean was attached to the pod; originally they were called mogette (French for nun) because the black eye reminded some of a nun’s head attire.

Are Black Eyed Peas related to green peas?

While both green peas and black-eyed peas belong to the same family, they belong to two different genera: Peas belong to the genus Pisum while black-eyed peas belong to Vigna.

What Kind of bean is Black Eyed Peas?

What are black-eyed peas classified as? The black-eyed peas of the cowpea family is a type of bean that belongs to the genus Vigna. The botanical name for the bean is Vigna unguiculata under the subspecies of Unguiculata.

What is the healthiest bean to eat?

1. Chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein.
2. Lentils. Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein and can be a good addition to soups and stews.
3. Peas. Peas are also a type of legume.
4. Kidney beans.
5. Black beans.
6. Soybeans.
7. Pinto beans.
8. Navy beans.

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?

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.

Do black-eyed peas cause gas?

Precautions. For some people, black-eyed peas may cause stomach pain, gas, and bloating due to their content of raffinose, a type of fiber that can contribute to digestive issues ( 17 ). Soaking and cooking dried beans can reduce the content of raffinose and make them much easier to digest ( 17 ).

Is black eyed beans good for weight loss?

And any good Southerner knows that black-eyed peas bring luck if they’re the first thing you eat on New Year’s Day. But, the dense nutrients and high fiber in black-eyed peas also make them an excellent food choice for healthy and sustainable weight loss year-round.

Can you be allergic to black-eyed peas?

Are black-eyed peas a common allergen? No. However, it’s not impossible: there are some populations with legume allergies. As with all new foods, start by introducing a small amount for the first couple of servings and watch closely.

Is Edamame a pea or a bean?

Edamame is a bean and therefore a legume. However, legumes vary in their nutritional profile. Compared with pulses, such as lentils, edamame provides a similar amount of protein per 100 calories, but edamame have a higher fat and lower fiber content.

What’s healthier peas or green beans?

Peas are the winner in this category. They contain five times more zinc, 2.8 times more phosphorus, and 2.5 times more copper. Peas are also richer in iron, potassium, and magnesium. Green beans contain almost 1.5 times more calcium and a little more sodium.

Can diabetics eat black-eyed peas?

Are black-eyed peas good for diabetics? Because of their high protein content, moderate amount of carbohydrates, and low glycemic index, black-eyed peas are considered a healthy ingredient for diabetics!

Can dogs eat black-eyed peas?

Dogs can eat black-eyed peas as an occasional treat. Pet owners can offer black-eyed peas as a healthy snack or mix the beans into homemade dog food. Like many other beans, black-eyed peas are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins while low in calories and cholesterol.

Are beans healthier than rice?

A new study by HSPH researchers Josiemer Mattei, Frank Hu, and Hannia Campos has found that beans are the far healthier half of the classic beans and rice dish.

Which beans cause less gas?

Lentils, split peas and black-eyed peas, for example, are lower in gas-producing carbohydrates than other pulses. Chickpeas and navy beans are on the high end. Chew thoroughly.

Which beans is best for weight loss?

Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans are the ones considered best for weight loss plan. The fiber content keeps you fuller for a longer period of time and protein boosts satiety and calorie expenditure.

Did slaves eat black-eyed peas?

The enslaved grew black-eyed peas in their plantation gardens. By the mid-1700s, both the enslaved and slaveholders were eating black-eyed peas on a regular basis.

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.

What happens if you don’t eat black-eyed peas on new year’s?

So, we’ve established that eating black-eyed peas on January 1 will bring you a year’s worth of prosperity. But the luck won’t stick, according to many legends, if you don’t eat them with greens (which symbolize money), cornbread (which symbolizes gold), and pork (which symbolizes luck, as pigs root forward).