Last month, our farm manager told us about a new crop he wanted to plant this year. It’s called a pigeon pea. Jason and I had never heard of this variety of pea before, so we researched it, and we were amazed at what we discovered!
The pigeon pea is a variety of pea that is LOADED with essential nutrients!
In just one cup of pigeon peas there are:
- 703 calories
- 44 grams of protein (88% of the daily value recommended by the USDA)
- 31 grams of dietary fiber (124% of the daily value)
- 2,854mg potassium (81% of the daily value)
- Magnesium (93% of the daily value)
- Iron (59% of the daily value)
- Vitamin B6 (30% of the daily value)
We don’t think we’ve ever come across a food higher in essential nutrients in just one serving than the pigeon pea!
We are very excited about this because producing a crop that is so rich in nutrients can greatly help ensure our orphans get the nutrition they need. Plus, providing easy access to locals who purchase crops wholesale will help ensure another nutritious crop is available at the farmer’s markets within the community.
Another exciting thing about the pigeon pea is that it helps improve soil structure and fertility, specifically the nitrogen levels in the soil. In addition, it’s a perennial that will continue to grow year-round in Mozambique’s climate. It’s perfect for intercropping with maize and is a great foraging plant for goats and other animals. They also make a great windbreak for other plants.
Pigeon peas have a nutty flavor and can be eaten fresh while they are green or dried for use later. There are many more great qualities about the pigeon pea that are too numerous to list here but suffice it to say that this wonderful crop will help further our efforts toward a sustainable farm and ministry as a whole!
