Cowpea also known as snake bean or China long bean, are harvested in young growth stage. At young growth stage, cowpea bean is crispy, tender and sweet. Beans of this variety can reach a length of thirty inches, but are usually harvested between twelve and eighteen inches for best taste and texture.
Cowpea bean pods are cylindrical and have a smooth, grooved, firm texture and a green shell. The pods contain lime green peas. As opposed to traditional green beans, cowpea beans have an intense bean flavor that is grassy and slightly sweet.
Scientific name of Cowpea / Snake Bean
Vigna Unguiculata
Other names of Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Crowder pea
- Snake pea
- Southern pea
- Niebe
- China Long bean
- Yardlong bean
- Long-Podded cowpea
- Asparagus bean
Calories by source in Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Calories by carbohydrate in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 76%
- Calories by fat in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 6%
- Calories by protein in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 18%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 55%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 34%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Cowpea / Snake Bean = 12%
Nutrition facts of Cowpea / Snake Bean
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 44 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.3 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 3.3 | GRAM | 7% |
| Carbohydrate | 9.5 | GRAM | 3% |
| Fiber | 3.3 | GRAM | 12% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Cowpea / Snake Bean, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Cowpea / Snake Bean, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Avoid cowpea beans which have a wilted or floppy texture
- Bad cowpea beans will have sticky / slimy outer texture
- Should have shine and feel slippery to the touch and not sticky
- Avoid beans with brown discoloration and blemishes
- Select young beans with crisp texture (length between 12- 18 inches)
Availability of Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Generally available round the year
- Best season is early fall through winter
How to store Cowpea / Snake Bean
- Cowpea bean / snake bean can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days ( it can be a week but you will loose the taste and texture)
- Avoid washing the cowpea beans in case you plan to store them in refrigerator
Complete nutrition facts of Cowpea / Snake Bean
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Cowpea / Snake Bean nutrition chart/infographic.
