Black-eyed beans, also known as cowpea, is pale-colored with a prominent black spot. These white-colored seeds have a black, pink or purple eye-like shape around the hilum. Seeds are not tightly packed or crowded in the pod and are kidney-shaped or oblong. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of calcium (211 mg in a 1 cup serving), folate (209mcg), and vitamin A (1,305 IU), among other nutrients.

Cowpeas are used as vegetable and as a grain also. Dried pulses are cooked with vegetables to make a thick soup.