previously it was classified in the genus Phaseolus. Vigna unguiculata subsp. dekindtiana is the wild relative and Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis is the related asparagus bean. Other beans of somewhat similar appearance, such as the "Frijol ojo de cabra" ("Goat's eye bean") of Northern Mexico are sometimes incorrectly called "black eyed peas" and vice versa.

History
Originally native to Africa, but widely grown in many countries in Asia, the black-eyed pea was introduced into the West Indies and from there to the Southern United States, where it is still a widely used ingredient in soul food and Southern U.S. cuisine. The planting of crops of black-eyed peas was promoted by George Washington Carver both because, as a legume, it adds nitrogen to the soil and for its nutritional value. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of calcium (211mg in a 1 cup serving), folate (209mcg), and vitamin A (1,305 IU) among other nutrients.

Culture

The heat-loving crop is seeded after the danger of frost is past and the soil is warm. Sandy loam is preferred, but at least the soil should be well-drained, as the plants cannot stand excessive water. They are also known as a drought-tolerant crop.

The crop is relatively free of pests and disease. Root-knot nematodes can be a problem, especially if crops are not rotated. As a nitrogen fixing legume, fertilization can exclude nitrogen.

The blossoms are heavy nectar producers and significant areas can be a source of honey. Because the bloom attracts a variety of pollinators, care must be taken in the application of insecticides to avoid label violations.

Traditional use

Black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in the American South and in some other parts of the country. In some areas, they are served as a starchy side dish, cooked with or without fatback and/or diced onion, and often served with a hot chili sauce or a pepper-flavored vinegar. In other areas, they are served in a traditional dish called "Hoppin' John" made of black-eyed peas cooked with rice, sometimes pork (such as hog jowls, neckbone, hock, or fatback), and seasonings.

The traditional meal also features collard or mustard greens. This is supposed to bring good luck and financial enrichment. The peas stand for coins, the greens symbolize paper money. Corn bread also often accompanies this meal.

These "good luck" traditions date back to the U.S. Civil War. Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General William Tecumseh Sherman, would typically strip the countryside of all stored food, crops, and livestock and destroy whatever they couldn't carry away. At that time, Northerners considered "field peas" and corn suitable only for animal fodder, and as a result didn't steal or destroy these humble foods. Many Southerners survived as a result of this mistake.

Rice and peas is a popular dish in Jamaica and other Caribbean Islands.

In Vietnam, black-eyed peas are used in a sweet dessert called chè đậu trắng (black-eyed peas and sticky rice with coconut milk).

Cultural references

• In the song "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" by R.E.M., the lyrics include the phrase "a can of beans or black eyed peas, some Nescafe and ice".
• In the song "Cornbread" by the Freestyle Fellowship, rapper Aceyalone throws the phrase "black eyed peas with a lot of tabasco" into a list of things he likes.
• In the song "Goodbye Earl" black-eyed peas are mentioned as a food which is poisoned and fed (unbeknownst to him) to an abusive husband by his wife and her best friend to retaliate for the abuse.
• The vegetables are also mentioned in Bobbie Gentry's 1967 ballad "Ode To Billie Joe": Papa said to Mama as he passed around the black-eyed peas, "Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense; pass the biscuits please."
• A character on the TV show The Poddington Peas is named Black-Eyed Pea.
• The Black Eyed Peas are a three-time Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop group from Los Angeles.