August update from the garden - Black Eyed Peas are ready !!

August update from the garden - Black Eyed Peas are ready !!

If you remember, I planted my Black Eyed Peas at the end of May. Well, they not only survived the summer but have been growing so rapidly that I am now having to cut them back just so I can get along the pathways. It's a jungle out there in my garden at the moment !!

 
They are now producing pods like crazy, which is fantastic. I am growing them for the dried "peas" and if you also remember, the variety I am growing is an Heirloom - Bisbee Red, bought from Native Seed Search based in Tucson. http://www.nativeseeds.org/
For how to grow Black Eyed Peas, please refer to my earlier post form June 2017.
 
Anyway, here are the pods in all their glory.
 
 
 
Note smaller green pod in background, with larger "mature" dried pod in foreground.
 

Harvested dried pods.
 
 
Bisbee Black Eyed Peas
 
 
Some will be saved for next year's planting, the rest will be stored for future eating !!
( note, they must be thoroughly dried before storage in a glass jar etc.)
 
Recipes
How to cook black eyes peas -
You do not have to soak black-eyed peas, but you will have a shorter cooking time if they have a quick soak in hot water (as opposed to a longer one in cold water, like other beans).
Put the dried peas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to stand for 60-90 minutes. Drain this water and replace it with fresh, cold water for cooking. If skipping the hot-soaking step, just rinse and add cold water.
Bring to a boil in a pot with a lid.
Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, tilting the lid slightly to allow steam to escape, and leave to cook for up to an hour, or until tender.
 
Note, - "fresh" picked dried black eyed peas may cook faster than older stored ones.
 
This is a good salad recipe - you can also add corn to it too.
https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/recipes/food-distribution-fdd/black-eyed-peas-salad
 
Happy Gardening and Happy Eating too !!

 
 
 


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