Cowpea

/ˈkaʊpiː/ noun

Definition

A legume plant that produces small beans, originally from Africa and widely grown in warm climates for food and animal feed.

Etymology

From 'cow' (bovine animal) + 'pea' (the legume, from Old English, possibly from Sanskrit 'phal'). Named because the beans were commonly used to feed cattle, though humans also eat them.

Kelly Says

Cowpeas are a nutritional superhero in many African, Caribbean, and Southern American cuisines—they're packed with protein and can grow in poor soil where other crops fail, making them essential for food security in vulnerable regions.

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