Pisum sativum (the Garden Pea)   

"How luscious lies the pea within the pod."
Emily Dickinson


Sam Tarmann- Picture of pea pods on my deskThe garden pea (Pisum sativum) has been consumed for centuries. It has many different uses in cooking and can be enjoyed raw from the garden. The garden pea is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables; it's cultivation and consumption can be traced back to the times long before the Christian Era. Peas were widely used in the ancient and native Egyptian areas. For thousands of years, pea plants have been cultivated and enjoyed by various other societies world-wide.

Picture of Gregory Mendel
Besides being a great and healthy snack, the garden pea has been used for various genetic experiments. Thomas Knight began studying with the pea in 1787 and the well known Gregory Mendel also performed genetic experiments with the pea a few years after Knight. Mendel is credited with discovering the affects and the idea of inheritance by crossing different types of pea plants and observing the out comes. Mendel is referred to as the "Father of Genetics." If it wasn't for the garden pea and the support and influence of his peers, Mendel would not be known as the founder of modern genetics. The picture to the right is of Gregory Mendel. Now you might be wondering how the garden pea is classified... if so Check This Out! 

 
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Interested in some pea fun facts? Check This Out!


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                                                                                                                                        Created April 2009!