Cowpeas are a great cover crop, they grow well in sandy soils and drought conditions, this legume resembles a black-eyed pea and its scientific name is Vigna unguiculata. It interplants well and also makes a good animal forage.  Aside from that it has many health benefits.  If you let the pods grow and mature you can use them in your diet.   If you grow cowpeas and need some ideas of what to do with them, here is a great hummus recipe that you will sure love!

COWPEA HUMMUS

2 cups dry cowpeas

½ tsp chicken bouillon

4 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp salt

3 tbsp tahini

1 garlic head – roasted

5 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp crushed red pepper

½ cup of reserved juice from cow pea.

Soak cow peas overnight, rinse and fill pan with water and chicken bouillon.  Boil until soft, approx. 1 hr. Drain and save water, set aside water for later.  Use a food processor and add lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, olive oil and crushed red pepper. Blend until smooth and add juice/water from cow peas.  This is great served warm.  You can add any flavors you would like to it.  This also makes great refried beans when making Mexican food!