Split Pea

Split Pea is the dry peeled seed of the pod fruit Pisum sativum. These yellow seeds are rich in protein and low in fat content and are often used as a substitute for ‘chhole dal’. Due to their multiple medicinal and culinary values, these seeds have gained huge popularity all over India.  Belonging to the legume family, these seeds are husked and break into two parts.

Split Pea Description

Split Pea is suited for cool and moderate weathers. Having divergent growing pattern and features, these seeds are small in size and split into two equal parts.

Color: Split Pea is usually grayish yellow in color.

Size: Split pea is uniformly small in size. These seeds are ¼th inch wide and are divided into two parts.

Texture: These peeled seeds have a soft texture.

Flavor: Split Peas have a mild earthy flavor which can be inhaled once the dry skin is removed and the seed’s cotyledon is divided.

Taste: Split Peas is characterized by a mild salty taste.

Split Pea Health Benefits

A number of health benefits can be derived from Split Peas.

  • Presence of soluble fiber reduces the cholesterol level in human body to a great extent.
  • One cup of dried peas contains 65% of the regular fiber requirement for human body in a day.
  • It acts as an important source for protein, Vitamin-B and various other minerals.
  • Regular intake of Split Peas circulates steady flow of energy inside the body.
  • One single cup of Split Peas can fulfill the daily requirement of mineral molybdenum, required for growth and vitality.
  • When consumed with brown rice, split pea becomes the ideal source for amino acids.

Split Pea Picture Picture 1 – Split Pea

Split Pea Nutritional Facts

Split Pea has a number of nutritional values that increases its overall essence.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Nutrient Amount
Energy 1,425 kJ (341 kcal)
Carbohydrate 60g
Sugar 8g
Dietary fibre 26 g
Fat 1g
Protein 25g
Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.7 mg (61%)
Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.7 mg (34%)
Folate (vit. B9) 274 μg (69%)
Iron 4 mg (31%)

Split Pea Distribution

Split Pea is evenly distributed throughout the world. Majorly found in India, Split Pea is cultivated in Guyana, Beijing, Greece and in many parts of Europe. Due to its nutritional value and delectable favor, it is widely grown all over the world.

How to grow Split Pea

Split Pea production takes place when regular peas such as green peas, English peas and lentils are grown and preserved by reserving the natural moisture. These peas are then peeled and left for drying. After proper drying up, these skinned peas are then broken into two equal parts from the centre. After splitting up, these peas are then traded as split peas which are used extensively in stews, soups and various other types of recipes.

Climate: The plantation process initiates in early spring or late winter, in order to avail of the cool and pleasant temperature required for proper growth and development of Split Peas.

Sunlight: The plant should receive minimum 6 hours of sunlight on a daily basis, to evolve naturally.

Soil: Dirt free soil stands as one of the essential growing requirements of the plant. 2 to 3 inches of organic compost can be added to the soil to provide the peas with enough nitrogen to enable the roots get a firm grip at the bottom.

Fertilizer: Additional fertilizer is not required for the cultivation of Split Peas.

Water: 1 to 2 inches of standing water are required on the farming peas.

Harvesting Split Pea

Harvesting : Harvesting generally takes place when the plant begins to get swollen, usually 45-60 days after they have come up to the surface. The method of harvesting is quite simple and does not require hard labor.

Split Pea Soup Recipe Image Picture 2 – Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split Pea Uses

Split Peas form an important part of a healthy diet. Due to their essential ingredients, Split Peas are used extensively all over the world for various edible and medicinal purposes.

Edible Purposes

  • They are used to prepare the delicious and nutritious split pea soup.
  • Also known as Matar Ki Daal, Split Pea is consumed mostly by the north Indians.
  • It is used to make pease pudding.
  • It is used extensively to prepare Dhal in the Guyana region.
  • Serve as a vital component of an Iranian food item- khoresh gheymeh.
  • These peas also used to prepare sweet snack in Beijing.
  • Greece and other European countries eat Split Pea as an appetizer.

Medicinal Purpose

  • It reduces the risk of atherosclerotic, due to high fiber content.
  • These peas minimize the danger of stroke and various heart related disease.
  • Decreases the sugar absorption rate in human body and reduces high blood sugar problems
  • It acts as a perfect cure for constipation by smoothing the bowel movement inside the body.
  • High content of protein in split peas helps to repair the damaged tissue and cells.
  • Presence of protein and Vitamin-B reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Split Pea Recipes

Split Pea is used to make a number of recipes which are extremely delicious and nourishing.

  • Split Pea Dhal
  • Split Pea Burgers
  • Split Pea sausage soup
  • Crock Pot Split Pea Soup
  • Split Pea Ham soup

Split Pea Side Effects

Split Pea is highly nutritious for human body. However, people having a certain type of allergy towards sodium must avoid Split Pea due to its elevated sodium content.

Using Split Pea During Pregnancy

Presence of Vitamin AB, which is required for cell growth and reproduction, makes the consumption of Split Pea mandatory for pregnant women, since, during pregnancy cells divide at a high pace.  Split Peas help to fabricate new cells in the body with the help of its high vitamin content.

Split Pea Interesting Facts

Split Pea bears a number of interesting facts that wroth a special note.

  • Split Peas belong to the lentil and beans family.
  • United States is the largest producer of Split Peas.
  • These peas can be cooked with salt or without salt.

Split Pea Pictures

Here are some images of Split Pea.

Pictures of Split Pea Picture 3 – Split Pea Picture

Photos of Split Pea Picture 4 – Split Pea Photo

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split_pea

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/split_pea_soup/

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/vegetarian-split-pea-soup-recipe.html

https://www.thespruceeats.com/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup-recipe-3055797

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