The spelling of the word "asparagus pea" may seem a little bit confusing due to the fact that it's not actually a type of pea, but rather a legume that resembles asparagus. The pronunciation is: /əˈspær.ə.ɡəs piː/ The first part of the word is pronounced as "uh-SPAIR-uh-gus" and the second part is pronounced simply as "pee." Despite the confusion surrounding the name, the asparagus pea is a nutritious and delicious plant that is becoming increasingly popular in culinary circles.
Asparagus pea is a plant species scientifically known as Tetragonolobus purpureus, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is commonly grown for its edible, pea-like pods that possess a distinct taste reminiscent of asparagus, hence the name "asparagus pea." This herbaceous vine is native to the Mediterranean region and has spread to various other parts of the world.
The asparagus pea plant typically reaches a height of around 30-60 cm and produces delicate, pinkish-purple flowers that develop into elongated, slender pods. These pods are harvested when young and tender, usually around 6-8 cm in length, and are consumed whole. The pods contain small, round, green seeds that also have culinary use.
Asparagus peas are primarily cultivated for their unique flavor and are often cooked in a similar manner to other legumes. They can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or used in various culinary preparations like soups, stews, salads, or side dishes. Asparagus pea pods add a delightful crunch and mildly sweet flavor to dishes, making them a popular choice in many cuisines.
Besides their culinary applications, asparagus peas are also appreciated for their ornamental value, with their attractive flowers and delicate vines commonly grown in gardens or as decorative plants. With its distinctive taste and visual appeal, the asparagus pea has gained recognition as a versatile plant with both culinary and aesthetic qualities.
The word "asparagus pea" has a straightforward etymology, derived from the names of its two main constituents: "asparagus" and "pea".
"Asparagus" originated from the Latin word "asparagus", which was borrowed from the Greek word "asparagos". It referred to the vegetable we commonly know as asparagus today. The term likely developed from the Greek word "aspros", meaning "sprout" or "shoot", ultimately originating from the Proto-Indo-European root "*spreg-", meaning "to sprout" or "to spring up". This is in reference to the young shoots of the asparagus plant that are harvested and consumed.
"Pea" comes from the Latin word "pisa", which was later adapted from the Greek term "pisos".