Beach pea (Vigna marina)

Vigna marina

legume · leaf

Grown in the Maldives for its seeds; in Australia, its thick roots are eaten roasted; leaves well cooked as a vegetable.

Origin

Tropical coasts (Maldives, Australia)

Where to find it

On sandy tropical beaches.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The ripe seeds are only eaten after long cooking, with the cooking water changed at least once: raw, they are toxic. The young pods and leaves are also cooked thoroughly.

Molecules

ProteinIn small amounts, not counted GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) · Folates (B9) · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its seeds float and travel with the currents from island to island.