Do n’t let the pea ’s baseborn size gull you . The pea plant plant , along with producing flavorsome and nutritious fruit , has played significant theatrical role in worldly concern history . Today ’s gardeners rise several varieties of this cool - time of year vegetable and mass from around the globe savor the dulcet , tiny , rotund pods sweet , in soup , salad and other dish . But despite their innocuous appearance , the plants were n’t always considered suitable for eating . Legend has it that Norse God Thor used these legumes as a weapon . Their other well - known purpose had to do with a genetic experiment that deeply impacted scientific sympathy .

Origin

accord to Washington State University Extension , archeologist have " unearthed pea in ancient tombs " and discovered old lit and drawings that describe pea plant . The Chinese call up Emperor , Shu Nung , discovered pea plant plants about 5,000 years ago . Characterized as the " Chinese Father of Agriculture , " Nung explored the country calculate for pabulum to sustain the populace and plants that might be used for medicative purposes . As with others , he took a liking to pea only after he fed them to his dog and then to a retainer to ensure they were n’t poisonous . Physical evidence of pea plant was found in Egyptian tomb of the 12th dynasty .

Legend

Norse mythology manage that an tempestuous Thor transmit flight dragons to miss peas into all the earth ’s wells , thereby fulfill them up and maculate the water . But some of the peas landed outside the well and sprouted , grant the hoi polloi another food source . To appease Thor , the mortals ate them only on Thursday , which was dedicated to him .

Migration

Even after the veggie became a well - known edible , it took awhile for their popularity to catch on . Washington State University extension service states claims the Romans preferred Cicer arietinum and other protein - packed fruit over pea plant . Peas were consumed most often during the Lenten time of year in the Middle Ages . But their portability and minimal store requirements encouraged future feeding . Peas were dried and stored , just like beans , another legume . American settlers corrode them as a staple on their Atlantic crossover and regard them an all-important as they settled in the New World . Peas were one of the first crops to be planted in the colony .

Science

Peas plants played a starring role in modernistic genetics , thanks to Gregor Mendel lead . During experiment he conducted from 1856 to 1863 , the Augustinian monk from easterly Europe outline the rules of heredity by proving desirable trait could be reach through cross breeding . He worked with seven pea plant characteristics , including " flora height , pod shape and color , seed form and color , and bloom position and color " according to the National Institute of Health . He strike the terms " recessive " and " prevalent " to explain sealed trait .

Hybridization and Growth

The National Gardening Bureau doom 2004 " The Year of the Pea " because of its hardiness and well-heeled grow capability . Garden peas cultivated today are known as " English peas . " Hybridization in the 1800s and 1900s produced varieties that are more disease resistant and smack good fresh off the vine , pod and all . Today ’s plant life enjoy full sun and neutral soil . They should be sowed from 4 to 6 week before the last expected frost , as soon as the soil can easily be turn .

References

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