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One of the sure signs that Christmas is around the corner is the flowering of the pigeon peas. Also known as gandules, they are called gungo or pigeon peas here in Jamaica and are the essential ingredient in the rice and peas dish most families prepare on special occasions and, in particular, on Christmas Day.
The pigeon pea originated in eastern India and was brought to east and west Africa, and eventually to the Americas by African slaves probably around the 17th century. It has been cultivated for at least 3,500 years.
Small in size and light green or white in color, the pigeon pea takes on a light brown hue when it’s been dried. Besides its use in rice and peas, pigeon peas can also be used in soups.
Pigeon peas are rich in protein, fiber and essential amino acids.
What fascinates me about the pigeon pea is the plant. The leaves look velvety and the ‘flowers’ are so colorful, they look as if they could be cut and put in a vase. These ‘blooms’ will last about a week then will be replaced by pods that are long and have individual pockets that hold each pea. Each pod can hold up to 8 peas, and grow in bunches of 5 to 7.
The green pigeon peas can be frozen for later use. When cooked, they have a slightly different taste from the dried ones.
Have you tried pigeon peas?
This is my submission to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.
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36 Comments on "Pigeon Peas"
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Thanks for the informative post about pigeon peas; I never knew they existed. Great share.
You’re welcome, Fatima. Glad I was able to share information about something new.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
I only heard about pigeon peas from gourmet chefs and fine dining restaurants in France, Italy, and New York. But I’ve also read somewhere that it’s a superb treat that’s jam-packed with antioxidants and fiber.
Yes, I just found that out myself when I did a little research for this post.
It’s also very flavorful.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Kristine.
Combination of yellow and the shade of red is very beautiful.
Nature is wonderful.
Glad you agree, Leah.
Thanks for your comment.
High in protein and the flowers are pretty as well. I think I have grown these or a similar plant. Do they pop up all over the place?
They seem to be everywhere here but I’m not sure if it’s because they were planted or if they were carried by the wind.
Never tried – or heard of – pigeon peas, but would like to. What an interesting glimpse into Christmas traditions in a warm climate country.
It’s hard to describe the flavor but I think you’d like it. I prefer it to most other types of peas/beans.
Was interesting to read about your Christmas traditions too.
I’d never heard of them before reading your post, Marcia. Very interesting, then!
I guess they haven’t made it to Chile. In Spanish they’re gandules.
Glad I was able to share something new with you, Andrew.
I haven’t even heard of pigeon peas. Now you have me wanting to try some.
Hope you get to try some, Michele. It’s really tasty.
These look so much like one of our native plants (http://anpsa.org.au/peas7.html). We call them “egg and bacon plants”. I can’t find any record of them being used as a source of food.
The flowers look similar but I doubt it’s the same. These are beautiful!
What a beautiful flower too… I love rice and peas. 🙂
Agreed, Elizabeth, it’s very beautiful and makes a tasty dish.
I have never heard of pigeon peas. What an interesting plant and I like how it has so many uses. Beautiful colors and do make for a festive decoration. Thanks for the info, Marcia!
You’re welcome, Mary!
I was sure you’d have it in the Philippines.
How interesting! Never heard of this plant before.
Glad I was able to introduce you to something new, Dick.
I had never heard of pigeon peas – hard to believe that such a beautiful plant produces food!
So true! A lot of our foods produce surprisingly beautiful flowers.
I’ve never tried them but I’ve seen them in lots of recipes. What a pretty plant.
Hope you get a chance to try them, Leigh.
I’ve never heard of pigeon peas..now i’m going to have to check them out to see if there is an equivalent here!
Not sure if they’re known by the same name there, Jenny, but let me know if you find them.
Haven’t tried one yet, but it is now on my list to try!
Would love to hear what you think, Jackie.
They look too pretty to eat. It’s amazing, learning about natural elements we use for food. Hard to get natural in industrial places where everything is manufactured.
Hahaha, yes very appealing to the eye and the stomach.
It is definitely more difficult and I feel lucky to have this available.
We do use pigeon peas in our food! They do add that flavor to it. Lovely flowers, never seen them before!
Have a fantastic day Marcia 🙂
Thanks, Arti. Glad I was able to introduce you to the flowers.
Very beautiful flower 🙂 Thank you for info…
You’re welcome, Muza-chan!