Even for the history alone it’s worth growing in any allotment or vegetable garden.
The Greeks used it as an aphrodisiac, the Pharaoh’s used it as a present for the afterlife, the Russians gave it to their horses, it’s been banned in India…
And one of the staple diets for the poor in larger parts of Africa and the Mediterranean.
If you eat to much of it (regularly) it will poison you – but it tastes fantastic in dishes like Gachas Manchegas, or Maltagliati.
What is a Grass Pea ?
It’s the type of crop you grow when nothing else will do – especially in areas that are prone to drought or famine (or you have an allotment plot miles from the nearest tap !)
It is one of the very few legumes grown as a staple diet (because it’s cheap) – but that is also it’s biggest drawback. Eat to much (on a regular basis) and the toxins in it could add up and affect you.
On the other hand it is a very popular staple food in large parts of the world…
The advantages…
It has very pretty azure blue coloured flowers & looks great !
One of the key reasons for growing grass pea (if you are into crop rotation) is that it is very tolerant to biological and environmental stresses, and is a very efficient nitrogen fixer so that it will improve the fertility of the soil for your next crops
How to grow Grass Pea…..
Simply sow outside after the last frost into most types of soil – either into full sun or partial shade
Space the seeds 38 to 45 cm apart because they will grow to about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) in height
