Black-eyed peas are beans that are cream-colored and kidney-shaped with a black eye. Part of the cowpea family, black-eyed peas are starchy and high in protein with an earthy taste. They are often served with pork products like ham and bacon. They are especially popular on New Year's Day, as superstition tells that eating black-eyed peas on that day brings prosperity for the new year. They are available year-round from central California.
