Ervil is a noun that refers to a species of leguminous plants belonging to the genus Vicia, often specifically Vicia ervilia. It is commonly known as the bitter vetch, the bitter vetchling, or the grass pea. The term "ervil" can also be used to describe the small but hard seeds produced by these plants.
Ervil plants are native to the Mediterranean region and are often cultivated as a forage crop or a green manure to improve soil fertility. They are cool-season annuals that typically have trailing or climbing stems. The flowers of the ervil are usually purple, blue, or rarely white, and they produce elongated curved pods that contain several small seeds.
The seeds of the ervil plant are small, hard, and kidney-shaped. They are commonly used as livestock feed due to their high protein content. However, it should be noted that the seeds of some Vicia species, including the grass pea, can contain a neurotoxin called β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), which, when consumed excessively, can cause a condition called lathyrism in animals and negatively impact human health.
In some regions, particularly in times of famine or scarcity, the seeds of the ervil have been consumed by humans as a source of sustenance despite the risks associated with ODAP. However, in general, it is advised to exercise caution when consuming ervil seeds and to ensure their proper processing to minimize the concentration of toxins.
