Purple cowpeas—often referred to as Pinkeye Purple Hull peas—are a vibrant and flavorful variety of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) that’s especially popular in Southern cuisine 🌱.
Appearance: Pods are green with a purple blush, and the seeds inside are creamy white with a pink or purple “eye.”
Flavor: Sweet and nutty, making them a favorite in stews, salads, and side dishes.
Growth Habit: Typically bushy or semi-vining plants that thrive in hot climates.
Heat Tolerance: Excellent for warm regions like southern India or the southern U.S., as they’re drought-resistant and love full sun.
Can be eaten fresh, shelled, or dried.
Often used in Southern dishes like Hoppin’ John or simply boiled with seasoning.
Pods can be harvested young as “snaps” or mature for shelling.
Planting: Sow seeds directly into warm soil after the last frost.
Spacing: About 4–6 inches apart in rows 18–30 inches apart.
Harvest: Around 60–70 days after planting, when pods are plump and seeds are tender.
