Where else would you expect to find copious amounts of wild peas but beachside around the Bay of Fundy? Took this photo of pea blossoms this afternoon. I've heard that our first nations, the Mi'kmaq, used both the peas and blossoms for medicinal purposes.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Where the wild peas grow
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4 comments:
These peas grow wild in my yard. I live in USA, Tennessee. So, that means I can eat them?
Interesting....well, I've heard that they've been used but I'm not sure how. Might be fun for you to check with a local gardener or botanist. Let me know if you find out anything and I'll do the same!
Terri, You've likely moved on to another site or something, but thanks for the tidbits on Fundy.
The pea in Tennessee is very likely another species of "Lathyrus" than the beach pea that you have shown here, which I believe from your photo and with the tendrils coming from the ends of the leaves and the stipules, is "L. japonicus." The peas can cause paralysis with a compound in them known as β-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid and should be avoided.
Interestingly, though I live in Virginia, I know the small cottage that you have pictured on this link about the Parrsboro area, http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2LUwfYxoxJU/Rm0jMMDOY7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/j6oAKVM04LQ/s320/PartridgeIsland+Cottage.JPG .
I know who built this and who owns it. He has worked quite hard on this place. He is a bit shy though he is an interesting character; he lives in Pugwash and comes down from time to time.
Is there a way to write you other than through here?
Hi, just so that you know, I live near the Bay and I've eaten many of these wild peas that grow by the Fundy beaches. They are truly delicious and, clearly, I'm still alive! I would say they're safe. :)
Here's a link to a blog by someone that's made picking and preparing them a ritual: http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/breakfast/no-need-to-forage-green-pea-pancakes/2576
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