Get Lucky with Black Eyed Peas

The black-eyed pea is infamous in traditional American lore as representing luck and prosperity if consumed first on New Years Day. Dating back to the American Civil War, one story shares that it is substance that aided in survival of Confederate troops during the bitter frigid winter of 1864, (Historynet, 2017). Other tales share that it is a food that was used to celebrate freedom as the emancipation proclamation gave liberty to those enslaved on New Years Day.

The south traditionally will serve “Hoppin’ John,” (Ruth, 2016) to commemorate New Years, which is a dish of pork, black eyed peas, and cornbread. It is said that this soul food will bring one prosperity in the new year. The nature of peas swells when they cook, symbolizing prosperity. The greens of cabbage, collards of mustard sautéed with them symbolize money and pork is used as a meaty flavoring due to the nature of pigs to root forward as they forage to represent positive motion. As a side, cornbread compliments the meal, representing gold.

The black-eyed pea is a legume and is often called a cowpea. It originated in West Africa and dates to prehistoric times in China and India too.

The pea debuted in the America’s in the 17th century and became a popular nitrogen fixator, as it adds nitrogen to the soil. In addition, the nutritional value of the black-eyed pea is highly sought after around the world. This easy to grow plant is packed full of energy, providing a reliable source of folate and dietary fiber, (USDA, 2024). Other trace minerals of iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc are included in its resume too.

This pea variety can be grown as a bush or a vine and is highly drought tolerant as a heat loving crop. One should plant after frost danger and the soil is warm. The blossoms are full of nectar, attracting pollinators and boosting honey production. From feeding soil to feeding the bees, the luck this cultivar brings to the garden makes it one to be sure to include in your new garden scape as you consider your 2025 plans.

Plan accordingly for this tasty New Years Dish to bring luck and prosperity into your home in 2025.

Recommended Varities: California Black Eyed Pea by Botanical Interest, Phenomenal Cow Peas by Mountain Valley Seeds, Marsh Hen Mills

Lucky Black-Eyed Peas

3 stalks green onions, chopped.

4 slices smoked bacon, chopped.

2 cups greens of choice- spinach, kale, collards, cabbage, mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced.

1 can black eyed peas, drain or 1⁄2 cup dry beans cooked in Instapot with 2 cups water.

2 TB dry white wine

Cook bacon in skillet, adding onions and garlic and cooking until onions are translucent. Add black eyed peas, greens of choice and wine, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes on low, then enjoy!

Ruth. "Hoppin John". Awesome Cookery. Retrieved 7 January 2016.

"Sherman's March to The Sea | HistoryNet". HistoryNet.

United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27.