How to Cook Lady Peas, the Crown Jewel of Summer Peas

Introducing lady peas: the rich and velvety Southern legume that deserves a place on your summer menu. Known for their smooth, creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor, these beans have gained a devoted following among chefs and home cooks alike. With a limited growing season and availability confined to Southern states, finding lady peas can be quite a challenge.

How far would you go to find these rare summer gems? If you manage to get your hands on fresh lady peas, don't let them slip away. Whether you prefer them slowly simmered with fragrant herbs and mixed into fresh summer salads, paired with sautéed greens, or enjoyed on their own, our guide will help you make the most of this versatile Southern treasure.

What Are Lady Peas?

Lady peas are a member of the cowpea family, closely related to black-eyed peas. Like all peas, they grow inside a pod. Native to the southern United States, Africa, and parts of Asia, lady peas (along with other cowpeas) flourish in hot, dry climates.

The key differences are size and flavor — lady peas are smaller and sweeter compared to other cowpeas. These little gems are known by various names, including lady cream peas, lady cowpeas, conch peas, and zipper cream peas.

Where to Find Lady Peas

Finding fresh lady peas north of the Mason-Dixon Line can be quite the challenge. If you're in that region, consider planning a trip down South. They typically make their appearance at local farmers' markets in June and July throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

While lady peas are sometimes sold still in their pods, they're often available pre-shelled and bagged for your convenience. If fresh lady peas are hard to come by, dried versions make an excellent alternative. You can also find them on Amazon.

How to Cook Lady Peas

Fresh lady peas are fragile due to their petite size, so be gentle when handling them during cooking. While there are countless ways to prepare lady peas, we recommend a simple approach to let their naturally sweet flavor shine.

Begin by sautéing onions and thyme in a large stockpot, then add the peas and chicken stock. Let the mixture simmer until the peas are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes for fresh lady peas. If you're using dried lady peas, refer to the package for specific cooking times and instructions.

Use lady peas as a substitute in any recipe that calls for black-eyed peas or field peas. Get inspired with these top summer pea dishes:

• Black-Eyed Pea Salad
• Southern-Style Crowder Peas
• Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad