Pigeon Peas

What's in season?

Local Pigeon pea (local name: Pwa Angol) trees are flowering. Lovely blooms of red and yellow are forming against the green foliage. The flowers are an attraction for hummingbirds and bees. Aside from aesthetics, these plants support biodiversity. Pigeon peas are a fixture of the home garden in rural and sub-urban areas. They are regularly intercropped with sweet potatoes due to their nitrogen-fixing ability.

Beautiful

Touch and Feel

The pea pods can be harvested as soon as you feel firm peas. Both the mature pods as well as dry pods are collected. After collecting, shelling the peas is the next step in the process in preparation of peas for consuming. This chore can be uneventful unless you have a phobia of caterpillars. Peeling back the shell will reveal caterpillars feasting on the peas. As a result, there will be need for sorting of peas-removing the half-eaten peas from the whole ones. Peas can be stored in the refrigerator until ready for cooking. The next opportunity for selection of peas is at the time of washing. 

Caterpillar out for a walk on pigeon pea pod

Wholesome Goodness

Pigeon peas has been a favourite from childhood days. They can be enjoyed as a separate dish or as part of a dish. As members of the food group, Legumes, they are an excellent source of plant protein.Still your food safety concerns. Generally pests, not even the caterpillars, are not controlled by agrochemicals.

Yum! Ready to cook