Cowpeas
Vigna unguiculata
Due to its tolerance for sandy soils and drought conditions, cowpeas have become a major crop in the semi-arid regions of Africa and other continents. Nearly two-thirds of the cowpeas grown worldwide are grown in Africa.
Seasonality
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| • | • | • | • | • |
Description
Due to its tolerance for sandy soils and drought conditions, cowpeas have become a major crop in the semi-arid regions of Africa and other continents. Nearly two-thirds of the cowpeas grown worldwide are grown in Africa.
Storage tips
Store fresh pods in a bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to 5-7 days. Store dried peas in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Culinary tips
- Treat the young pods as you would green beans by boiling or steaming them.
- The dried beans must be boiled or stewed until tender before they can be eaten.
- A common snack in Africa is cooked cowpeas that are mashed into a paste and wrapped in banana leaves.
- The popular Southern dish “Hoppin’ John” is made with cooked cowpeas, rice, onion, and ham or bacon.
