Tag: Beans vs peas

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), split peas are a type of pulse, which is a specific category of legume. This means that while they might be colloquially used in dishes with vegetables, the definitive answer to the question of whether split peas are a bean or a vegetable is that they are, in fact, a legume.

Despite their name, black-eyed peas are, in fact, a type of bean, botanically classified as *Vigna unguiculata*, or cowpea. The simple answer to why are black-eyed peas not called beans lies not in their biology, but in a rich history of cultural naming conventions and agricultural use that precedes modern scientific classification.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple in many cuisines and are botanically a type of legume. Given the common use of the name "garbanzo bean," the question of are chickpeas considered beans is a frequently debated culinary topic, but the answer is a straightforward botanical one.

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, legumes like beans and peas have a small carbon footprint and boast natural nitrogen-fixing properties that improve soil health. When it comes to your own body, the question is: are beans or peas better for optimizing your health? The answer depends largely on your specific nutritional needs and health goals.