This post was written for the WhatsApp channel on the day that it reached 200 followers.
Peas… Small, green, and packed with history — these little legumes are the stars of our fascinating facts. Stay tuned, and give peas a chance!
1. The Latin name for the pea is Pisum sativum!
“Pisum” comes from the Greek pison, meaning pea, and “sativum” means cultivated. It’s a name shared by other domesticated plants, like Allium sativum (garlic). Peas have been grown since at least 5000 BC — making them one of the earliest crops to grace human dinner tables.
2. The oldest pea ever discovered was found in Thailand — and it was 3,000 years old!
Unearthed from ancient cave dwellings, these peas were carbon-dated to around 1000 BC. I wouldn’t want to find those in my soup! 🤢
3. Around 35,000 hectares of peas are grown in the UK each year!
That’s enough to fill over 48,000 football pitches! Britain is one of the largest producers of peas in Europe, with all those peas going to plates all over the continent. 🌍
4. The proper etiquette for eating peas is to squash them lightly on the back of your fork!🍴
According to traditional British table manners, the back of the fork should be used to gently press and balance the peas — not scoop them like soup!
5. A charming TV show called The Poddington Peas brought peas to life!
In 1989, these little animated peas lived in overgrown flowerpots at the bottom of a garden, each with its own quirky personality.
6. In 1990, The Rescuers Down Under featured a delightful pea cameo!
During a restaurant scene, a single pea fell from a table, only to be scooped up by a clever talking insect. He then whipped up his very own pea soup for his “diners” — a group of mice. 🐁
7. Janet Harris of Sussex set a world record in 1984 by consuming 7,175 peas in 60 minutes!
This remarkable feat was achieved by picking up each pea individually with chopsticks, averaging nearly two peas per second. ⏱️
That’s all for our pea-suit of knowledge today — hope it’s been pea-sitively delightful! 🫛
Thank you again to everyone who’s stuck with us for so long, to help us get to 200 followers! We have big plans for 300 followers! (Spoilers: It may involve Squirrels and the Queen of Denmark 🇩🇰!)
Thank you everyone!
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