Crowder Peas is a generic term for Cowpeas that grow tightly together in the pod. It is one of the ways of classifying cowpeas.Owing to the crowding in the pea pod, the peas don’t come out perfectly round.
The hull colours of Crowder Peas can be anything from white (making them Crowder Cream Peas) to brown to purple to black. In general, most tend to be darker, and have more flavour than Black-Eyed Peas.
If Crowder Peas are going to be eaten fresh, they must be picked before maturity. If they are going to be dried for use as dried peas, they need to be allowed to fully mature.
Cooking Tips
Crowder Peas need longer cooking than green sweet peas (aka English or garden peas.)
Very young Crowder Peas can be cooked whole in the pod; otherwise, they need to be shelled.