Black Eyed Peas – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What are black eyed peas?

A black eyed pea is a variety of cowpea that is part of the bean and pea family. It’s interesting to note that despite the name, black eyed peas actually aren’t peas at all! They’re actually a bean. They’re easily identifiable thanks to their pale pinkish-cream color and distinctive black spot that looks like an eye. Other common names include “goat pea” and “southern pea.” In the U.S., they are also sometimes called “California black eye.” 

Their taste is similar to white beans, although they have more of an “earthy” flavor. They’re also dense, with a creamy consistency. 

Where did black eyed peas originate from?

Black eyed peas are native to Africa, where they’ve been a popular staple since the Middle Ages. They were brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans in the 1670s and were often used to feed both slaves and livestock. During the Civil War, this was one of the few crops that wasn’t destroyed. As a result, they became an important staple in the Confederate South. 

Today, black eyed peas remain popular in Southern cooking and African-American “soul food.” In the south, it’s also considered good luck to eat black eyed peas and collard greens on New Years’ Day. 

What is the nutritional value of black eyed peas? 

Black eyed peas are very nutrient-dense and are packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They also contain important micronutrients, including iron, thiamine, folate, and copper, as well as antioxidants called polyphenols. 

How are black eyed peas grown?

Black eyed peas are annual plants that bloom in the summer. There are both vine and bush varieties of black eyed peas. Vine plants need support to remain upright, while bush plants grow on their own without extra support. These peas grow in pods and can be harvested as snap peas in as little as 70 days or as dried beans between 80 and 100 days. In the latter case, they are ready to pick after the vines have completely dried. 

When are black eyed peas in season?

Fresh and shelled black eyed peas are typically only available in the late summer and early fall. However, you can buy dried and canned black eyed peas in the grocery store year-round. Shop for fresh black eyed peas. 

What should I look for when buying black eyed peas?

When buying black eyed peas, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what form you want. Your choices are fresh, dried, or canned. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll want to pay attention to when choosing your products. 

Choosing fresh black eyed peas

Fresh black eyed peas tend to have more flavor and cook up a lot faster than their dried counterparts. However, depending on the time of year, you may not be able to get ahold of them. 

When buying black eyed peas that haven’t already been shelled, look for pods that appear fresh and tender. They shouldn’t appear dried-out, have blemishes on them, or be moldy. You may also decide to get fresh black eyed peas that are already shelled. In this case, you’ll still want them to look fresh and tender rather than dry or wrinkled. 

Choosing dried black eyed peas

When choosing dried black eyed peas, you’ll want to make sure they’re evenly colored and look plump. They shouldn’t have holes, wrinkles, or a lot of blemishes. 

Choosing canned black eyed peas

When shopping for canned black eyed peas, you’ll want to make sure the cans are free from rust and don’t have any major dents. It’s also a good idea to check the “use by” date, making sure it’s not too close to the current date. 

Thinking about ordering a grocery delivery? You can easily shop for black eyed peas via Instacart. After adding the product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for black eyed peas on Instacart.

How to store black eyed peas

You can store canned black eyed peas in the pantry or cabinet for two to three years. Dried black eyed peas can stay in the original packaging or an airtight container for about a year. After these timeframes, your black eyed peas won’t necessarily be spoiled, but the quality will likely start to deteriorate. 

You can also pre-cook black eyed peas and store them in the refrigerator in the liquid you cooked them in for up to five days. 

How to tell if black eyed peas are bad

If you’re worried that your black eyed peas may have gone bad, start by looking closely at them and giving them a sniff. A foul odor, an off-color, or the presence of insects or mold are all signs that black eyed peas have spoiled. 

What can I substitute for black eyed peas?

While there aren’t any other beans that have the same distinctive coloring as black eyed peas, there are several options that have a similar taste. If you need to make a substitution, some of your best options are:

• Purple hull peas
• Southern pink black lady peas
• Crowder peas
• Fava beans
• Borlotti beans
• Pinto beans

Add black eyed peas to your next shopping list

If you’re not sure how to cook black eyed peas, don’t worry! It’s quick and easy to cook black eyed peas in a crockpot, making this a great way to start experimenting with this delicious legume.

If you’re ready to start, try looking up some recipes, then head over to Instacart.com and add all the ingredients to your shopping list. A professional shopper will take care of everything for you and either prepare it for you to pick up or deliver it to you.

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