There is another name for field peas, and they are commonly known as cowpeas or Southern peas. These legumes are a popular staple in Southern cuisine and are known for their versatility and delicious taste.
Cowpeas come in a wide variety of cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics and names. Some of these varieties have quite colorful and memorable names that reflect their regional popularity and history. Let’s explore some of these intriguing names:
1. Rattlesnake: This variety of cowpeas gets its name from its distinctive mottled green pods, which resemble the skin of a rattlesnake. They are a favorite choice for both fresh consumption and drying.
2. Zipper: The Zipper cowpea got its name for its easy-to-open pods, which have a thin, string-like seam that can be easily pulled to reveal the tender peas inside. This makes them convenient for shelling.
3. Stick Up: The Stick Up cowpea is named for its upright growth habit, with sturdy stems that stand tall. It is known for its high yield and productivity.
4. Shanty: Shanty cowpeas are a quick-maturing variety that can be harvested within 60 days. They are often grown in small-scale gardens or containers due to their compact size.
5. Turkey Craw: Turkey Craw cowpeas are named after their crawling growth habit, with vine-like stems that spread along the ground. They are prized for their tasty peas and are often used in soups and stews.
6. Queen Anne: This variety of cowpea is named after Queen Anne’s lace, a flowering plant with delicate white flowers. Queen Anne cowpeas have creamy white peas and are highly regarded for their flavor.
7. Polecat: The Polecat cowpea is named after the polecat, a type of weasel known for its distinctive odor. This cowpea variety is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for organic gardening.
8. Hercules: Hercules cowpeas are known for their large, robust pods and peas. They are a vigorous variety that can withstand harsh growing conditions and produce bountiful harvests.
9. Colossus: True to its name, the Colossus cowpea is a large and mighty variety. It produces oversized pods filled with plump peas, making it a favorite for those who enjoy larger beans.
10. Iron Clay: Iron Clay cowpeas are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils. They are often used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion.
11. Washday: The Washday cowpea got its name because it was traditionally planted in the South to be ready for harvest on the first Monday in July, known as “Washday” in the region. It is a popular variety for fresh consumption and canning.
12. Crowder: Crowder cowpeas are named for their tendency to have crowded peas within the pod, hence the name “crowder.” They are a classic Southern favorite and are often enjoyed in dishes like Hoppin’ John.
13. Pinkeye Purple Hull: This variety of cowpea is easily recognizable by its distinctive pink or purple-colored eyes on the peas. Pinkeye Purple Hull cowpeas are prized for their sweet flavor and are commonly used in Southern cooking.
14. Mississippi Silver: Mississippi Silver cowpeas are known for their shiny silver-colored pods. They are a popular choice for fresh consumption and canning, and their attractive appearance adds a touch of elegance to any dish.
15. Big Red Ripper: The Big Red Ripper cowpea is named for its large, reddish-brown peas. It is a high-yielding variety that is often used in commercial production but can also be grown in home gardens.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and interesting names given to cowpea varieties. Each name reflects the uniqueness and regional significance of these legumes. Whether you know them as cowpeas, Southern peas, or by their captivating cultivar names, these legumes are a versatile and delicious addition to any garden or kitchen.
