Pigeon Peas

1. Pigeon Peas

   Description
   Pigeon peas develop in small to medium sized pea pods, with an average of four to five developed seeds per pod. Pods range in color from a bright green when young, maturing to display brown splotching or striations, to completely dark brown almost purple in color. The inner peas are a bright green when young and mature to be a lighter goldenrod yellow. Fresh Pigeon peas are nutty in taste and offer a crispy texture.

   Seasons/Availability
   Peak season for fresh Pigeon peas are during the late summer and fall months.

   Nutritional Value
   Pigeon peas are an excellent source of protein and additionally provide thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Studies have shown that when the Pigeon pea is at its green stage, just before it becomes dry and loses its color it is at is most nutritious and easier to digest than when dried. In India the leaves of Pigeon peas are believed to be helpful in treatment of diarrhea and dysentery and can be made into a paste when mature or into a juice when leaves are young. Link.