Do We allow peas to completely dry out on the plant before harvesting?

Question

We have southern peas growing in the garden, I think some call them cowpeas. They look like blackeye peas. We want to can them. How do we know when to hearvest them? They have an 'eye' now but the pea is green and the pod is dark purple.

Answer 1

Blackeye peas/beans are one of many of the different cowpeas/southern peas.  If you want to can or freeze your cowpeas you  need to pick them before the pod dries and while the pea/bean is still tender. You may can them when they are green but they are better flavored if you let them turn a creamy white color before picking.  The only time you let them dry completely on the vine is for dried beans which are very good as well.