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Common bean

PEA ( Pisum sativum L. )

In Europe it was grown as early as in the Neolithic Age and its origin is unclear, it maybe comes from the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. First pea with small seeds was grown, later large seed varieties emerged. Around the beginning of AD, Romans spread peas during their military expeditions even to the area north of the Alps. The Dutch were the first ones to eat sweet immature seeds, and this habit spread over Europe soon. Mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries peas were available only for higher classes, as a treat for gourmets. Only in the 19th century peas became a cheap legume and vegetable. In this country, a sprouted and roasted peas were popular that were eaten mainly on Good Wednesday before the Easter.
 


 Pea stand


Detail of the blossom


Seeds - Yellow Pea


Seeds - Green Pea

Importance and seed composition:

For human nutrition both mature dry seeds and canned or frozen immature seeds (green peas) are used. Of sugar peas, whole pods are eaten. Peas are suitable feed for all farm animal species. The inclusion of peas in lactating cow diets increases milk production and protein and fat percentages in milk. Whole seeds are included in feed for birds. Pulp peas is used for starch production.

Peas contain about 20-25% crude protein. Biological value of protein is average, but there is a high lysine content. Nitrogen-free extract is about 60%, it is mainly starch. Crude fibre content is about 5-7%, fat content 1% and mineral content is about 2-3%. From vitamins, B vitamins are highest, in immature seeds there is also vitamin C.

 Cultivation requirements:

The best are loamy, loamy-sand and sandy-loam soils. Extreme soils such as sandy, too heavy, waterlogged, acid, rocky and weedy soils are not suitable. In the crop pattern it is usually put between two cereals. The best yields are obtained when included after a fertilized root crop- The interval of growing peas in one field should be at least four years due to the risk of pest and disease transmission.

 Field pea (Pisum sativum var. Arvense) is used for feeding animals or as green manure. As feed, seeds are used that have similar nutrient composition as pea but contain also bitter substances that decrease palatability. Inclusion of field pea in the diets is lowered than that of pea. It can be also used as a fodder crop, often in legume-cereal mixtures.


Seeds

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