BLACK EYED PEAS - U'US BAVI

Black Eyed Peas, a variety of cowpea, are originally from northern Africa and were brought to the Sonoran desert in the late 1680’s by the Jesuit missionary, Padre Kino. First planted here on this continent by our people, the Akimel O’odham, or River People (Pima), these peas are known as U’US BAVI, meaning ‘stick beans’ in O’odham Neok, our language. Heat tolerant and water thrifty, these cowpeas adapted well to cultivation in the riverine ecosystem of our ancestors and provided yet another flavor to their varied diet. Today we continue to produce these delicious, tender and fast cooking beans on the same fields that have been cultivated by our people for centuries. We hope you enjoy the hearty flavor!