{"id":313,"date":"2022-09-08T12:51:06","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T12:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/?post_type=product&p=313"},"modified":"2025-08-04T02:33:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T02:33:35","slug":"pigeon-pea","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/product\/pigeon-pea\/","title":{"rendered":"Pigeon pea"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Botanical Name:<\/strong>\u00a0Cajanus cajan<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some other names:<\/strong>\u00a0Red gram, No-eye pea, Congo pea, Angola pea<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How to Grow It<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Pigeon pea\u00a0is a multi-purpose perennial shrub<\/b> that can grow 3\u20134<\/b>\u202f<\/b>m tall<\/b> and just as wide if you let it. It\u2019s a member of the legume family<\/b> (so it fixes nitrogen into the soil) and has a loose, airy habit with attractive green foliage and small yellow or reddish flowers that develop into pods.<\/p>\r\n

Climate:<\/b> It\u2019s widely grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions<\/b> but can also do well in warmer temperate zones<\/b> if protected from heavy frost.<\/p>\r\n

Sun & soil:<\/b> Loves full sun<\/b> and will grow in almost any soil \u2014 even poor, rocky ground. It\u2019s one of the best plants for hard-to-grow spots<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n

Water & drought tolerance:<\/b> Very drought tolerant<\/b> once established. It will slow down in prolonged dry spells but rarely dies. In fact, overwatering is more of a risk than underwatering.<\/p>\r\n

Planting season:<\/b> In cooler areas, sow in spring<\/b> after frost. In the tropics, you can plant pretty much any time of year.<\/p>\r\n

Propagation:<\/b> Easiest grown from seed<\/b> \u2014 just collect dried pods, shell them, and pop the seeds straight in the soil. Seeds sprout easily in warm weather.<\/p>\r\n

Maintenance:<\/b> Almost none! Pigeon pea doesn\u2019t need fertiliser<\/b> (it makes its own nitrogen) and thrives on neglect. Occasional pruning will keep it bushy, and the cuttings make an excellent \u201cchop-and-drop\u201d mulch<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n

Containers:<\/b> You can<\/i> grow pigeon pea in a big pot or tub<\/b>, but it prefers open ground where it can spread and form a mini thicket.

<\/p>\r\n

Herbal & Nutrient Value<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Pigeon peas are a nutritional powerhouse<\/b>. The peas are high in protein<\/b> (great for vegetarian and survival diets) and contain vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n

Why it\u2019s good for your body:<\/b><\/b><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Protein<\/b> builds muscle and helps repair the body.<\/li>\r\n
  • Potassium<\/b> supports healthy blood pressure.<\/li>\r\n
  • Vitamin A<\/b> boosts vision and immunity, while Vitamin C<\/b> keeps your immune system strong.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Medicinally<\/b>, pigeon peas have been used traditionally for:<\/p>\r\n

      \r\n
    • Supporting heart health<\/b> and reducing blood pressure.<\/li>\r\n
    • Acting as a mild anti-inflammatory<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n
    • Strengthening the immune system<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Traditional & Home Remedies<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

      Leaf Poultice for Swelli<\/strong>ng & Cuts \u2013 Fresh leaves crushed, applied topically to reduce inflammation and aid healing<\/span>.
      Seed Decoction for Respiratory Relief<\/strong> \u2013 Boil seeds, strain and drink warm for coughs\/bronchitis<\/span>.
      Leaf Extract Tea for Diabetes<\/strong> \u2013 Daily infusion of leaves consumed to support blood sugar regulation (traditional).
      <\/span>Root Extract Application<\/strong> \u2013 Genistein-rich root decoction applied to bedsore or wound healing<\/span> .
      Menstrual Tonic<\/strong> \u2013 Leaf decoction consumed on cyclic schedule traditionally to regulate periods.

      <\/span><\/p>\r\n

      Using It in the Kitchen<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

      Pigeon peas are used all over the world, especially in India, Africa, and the Caribbean<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n

        \r\n
      • Dried peas:<\/b> Can be cooked like lentils or split peas. Once hulled, they\u2019re known as toor dal<\/b> in Indian cooking \u2014 a staple for curries and dals.<\/li>\r\n
      • Fresh green peas:<\/b> Can be used like garden peas, lightly steamed or added to stews.<\/li>\r\n
      • Young leaves & shoots:<\/b> Technically edible, but a bit chewy \u2014 best used sparingly in stews or as animal fodder instead.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

        Storage tip:<\/b> Dried peas keep for years if stored in an airtight jar. Fresh peas are best used within a few days.<\/p>\r\n

        Simple recipe ideas:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

        – Simple Pigeon Pea Dal<\/b> \u2013 Simmer split pigeon peas with turmeric, onion, garlic, and curry leaves for a comforting Indian-style dal.
        – Caribbean Rice & Peas<\/b> \u2013 Cook rice with coconut milk, garlic, thyme, and cooked pigeon peas for a classic island dish.
        – Pigeon Pea Veggie Soup<\/b> \u2013 Add dried or fresh peas to a chunky soup with carrots, celery, and sweet potato for a hearty meal.
        – Spiced Pigeon Pea Patties<\/b> \u2013 Mash cooked pigeon peas with herbs and spices, form into patties, and pan-fry.
        – Fresh Pea Stir-Fry<\/b> \u2013 Toss green pigeon peas into a quick garlic and ginger stir-fry for extra protein.

        <\/p>\r\n

        Other Uses<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
          \r\n
        • Soil builder:<\/b> Pigeon pea is a nitrogen fixer<\/b>, meaning it enriches your soil for future crops.<\/li>\r\n
        • Mulch & \u201cchop-and-drop\u201d:<\/b> Cut it back and spread the prunings around the garden \u2014 instant mulch that feeds the soil.<\/li>\r\n
        • Windbreak & shade:<\/b> Can act as a living windbreak<\/b> or \u201cnurse plant\u201d to protect smaller seedlings.<\/li>\r\n
        • Animal fodder:<\/b> The leaves and stems are a good feed source for goats, sheep, and chickens.

          <\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

          Why it\u2019s a survival plant:<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

          Almost unkillable<\/b> \u2014 grows in poor soil and harsh conditions.
          Multiple uses<\/b> \u2014 food, mulch, fodder, soil improver, and even shelter for other plants.
          Nutritionally valuable<\/b> \u2014 protein-rich peas are a lifesaver in a survival diet.<\/p>\r\n

          Pigeon pea is one of those plants every survival garden should have \u2014 it works for you, your animals, and your soil<\/b> all at once.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Pigeon pea is one of those \u201cplant it and forget it\u201d survival crops \u2014 a tough, drought-hardy perennial shrub that feeds you, your animals, and your soil. It provides nutrient-rich peas for cooking, mulch for your garden, and thrives where many other plants won\u2019t.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":255,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":100,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[39,40,41,45],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-313","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-drought-resistant-plants","7":"product_cat-high-nutrition-plants","8":"product_cat-mulch-plants","9":"product_cat-soups-and-curries","11":"first","12":"instock","13":"shipping-taxable","14":"product-type-simple"},"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=313"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=313"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=313"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/survivalfoodplants.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}