Cowpea
Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata subsp. Unguiculata )
The cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), and cowpea, black eye bean or snake bean called, is a crop from the legume family ( Fabaceae ). Four subspecies are recognized:
- Vigna unguiculata subsp. dekindtiana that the crop wild relatives form
- Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, cultivated, this article ( Engl black-eyed pea )
- Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica, cultivated, Catjangbohne
- Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, cultivated, Asparagus Without
Features
The cowpea is an annual plant. My habit is quite variable, ranging from upright over semi- upright over prostrate to climbing. The growth type ranges from undetermined to determined, which mainly show the non- twining forms determinate growth. They have a distinct taproot that can reach a depth of 2.4 m 8 weeks after sowing.
The leaves are in three parts. They are smooth, dull to shiny and hairy rare. The terminal leaves is often longer and larger than the two lateral. Leaf size and shape are highly variable.
The flowers are in multiple panicles at 20 to 50 cm long inflorescence stems, which arise in the leaf axils. Two to three pods per inflorescence are formed, four or more before coming. The flowers stand well above the blades and also contain nectaries to attract insects. Nonetheless prevails self-pollination.
The sleeves are smooth and 15 to 25 cm long. They are cylindrical and slightly curved. To use maturity as a vegetable, the sleeves are green, yellow or purple, the dry ripening the first green and yellow shapes are brown. The seeds are kidney-shaped. The seed surface is smooth or wrinkled, the color can be white, cream, be green, red, brown or black. Often they have an "eye " that is, the white navel ( hilum ) is surrounded by a different color.
Ingredients
100 g ripe seeds contain on average 24.8 g protein, 1.9 g fat, 6.3 g fiber and 63.6 g of carbohydrates. At vitamins are 0.74 mg thiamine, 0.42 mg riboflavin, and 2.8 mg niacin included. The protein is relatively rich in the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, but relatively low in methionine and cystine.
Cultivation
The cowpea is indigenous to Africa. Today it is grown in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia and the southern United States. Cultivation in West Africa dates back at least 4000 years.
It is grown mainly in the humid tropics, but also in temperate areas. Heat and drought are well tolerated, frost will not be tolerated, cool temperatures slow the growth significantly. The yield increases significantly with the water supply, such as irrigation. Even under dry conditions provides the cowpea still good income, which supports their importance falling in many areas.
On the ground, the cowpea no special requirements, best she thrives on well-drained sandy to sandy- clay soils at pH values between 5.5 and 6.5.
Use
The cowpea is used in all stages of growth as a vegetable. Young green leaves are cooked like spinach in Africa as a leaf vegetable. Immature pods are also used as a vegetable. Green seeds are used as a cooked fresh vegetables or packaged or frozen canned. Mature, dry seeds are cooked or preserved. The seeds can germinate and can similar to mung bean sprouts are eaten raw.
The foliage is fed to livestock and is often the only available high-quality animal feed. In quality it is equal to the alfalfa. It is fresh or dry feed.
In the Bahian cuisine, the black eyes of the bean to be removed, replaced the skin of the bean, ground and processed to Acarajé.
System
Within the species Vigna unguiculata three taxa are distinguished which are classified either as subspecies or variety groups:
- Black-Eyed Pea: Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata or Vigna unguiculata cultivar group ' unguiculata '
- Catjangbohne: Vigna unguiculata subsp. catjang or subsp. or Vigna unguiculata cylindrica variety group ' biflora '
- Asparagus Without: Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis Vigna unguiculata or variety group ' sesquipedalis '
Documents
- D. W. Davis, E. A. Oelke, E.S. Oplinger, J. D. Doll, C.V. Hanson, D. H. Putnam: Cowpea, in:. Accessed Alternative Field Crops Manual, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service or, 1991, 18 July 2009.