Black Eyed Peas

Black eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) originates from West Africa and since prehistoric times has been part of traditional cuisine in China and India. In the 17th century, due to the slave trade, it was introduced to the American South by African slaves. Black-eyed peas were promoted by George Washington Carver to benefit soil and human health. It's traditional to eat black eyed peas on new years, along with collard greens, ham, and sometimes cornbread, to bring prosperity and luck in the new year.