Alike as 2 peas in a pod...

How luscious lies the pea within the pod. Emily Dickinson

As alike as two peas in a pod… or are they? The Augustinian abbot Gregor Mendel utilized his garden peas to begin the scientific study of genetics, which helps us understand differences as well as similarities. Peas are among the oldest foods known to man, carbon dating of a find in the “Spirit Cave” on the Thai-Myanmar border have been carbon-dated to nearly 10,000 B.C. The word pea has Sanskrit origins and thrives in the cool mountain climates of the region. Most peas prefer cooler climates, though some like the chickpea don’t mind the heat. The pea must be replanted annually from its seeds for it has only a one-year life cycle. Most edible peas derive from the species pisum sativum or pisum hortensus - the garden pea - of which there are several hundred varieties. There are some that are so tender they can be eaten pod and all, such as sugar snaps and snow peas; others are best shelled like English peas. According to Waverly Root, the smaller and sleazier looking the peas, the sweeter and more delicious it will be. In the Southern U.S., we enjoy many types of “field peas” which are usually shelled and run the rainbow in colors and patterns, like black-eyed and Mississippi purple peas. At Monticello, Jefferson grew more than 30 varieties. In China, pea shoots are greatly appreciated, as is the wasabi in zesty sauce. Few curried dishes would be complete without peas. Nutritionally, peas are a good carbo energy source, low in fats and high in fiber.
“Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas - that's what my grandma taught me.” Lord Chesterfield

Festivals:

Purple Hull and Tiller Race http://www.purplehull.com/
Black-eyed Pea Jamboree http://texaslesstraveled.com/blackeyedpea.htm