How Big Is a Pea? Comparing Sizes of Common Foods
How Big Is a Pea?
A pea is a small and round edible seed that grows within a pod.
On average, a pea weighs between 0.1 and 0.36 grams.
Peas can be consumed fresh, frozen, or canned, and are commonly used as a vegetable in various dishes.
The distinction between different varieties of peas, such as field peas and garden peas, dates back centuries.
Peas are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Key Points:
- Peas are also a good source of dietary fiber.
- They are low in calories and fat.
- Peas are high in protein, making them a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.
- They contain antioxidants that help protect against diseases.
- Peas can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, or sautéing.
- They can also be used in soups, salads, stews, and stir-fries.
- Peas are a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet.
Did You Know?
1. The term “pea” actually refers to multiple plant species within the genus Pisum, including snow peas, snap peas, and garden peas.
2. The largest known pea ever recorded was an enormous 26.8 grams in weight and measured over 5 centimeters in diameter. That’s almost the size of a small golf ball!
3. In Roman times, peas were considered a luxury food and were often served at lavish banquets. The Roman chef, Apicius, even included over 30 different pea recipes in his famous cookbook.
4. Peas were one of the first vegetables to be canned commercially. In 1856, the English company, J&W Allen, introduced the world’s first commercially canned peas to the market.
5. The Guinness World Record for the longest distance pea shooting in one minute was set in 2016 by American Luke Marsh. He shot peas using a traditional pea shooter a remarkable distance of 19.95 meters (65.4 feet). A truly incredible achievement!
Species and Characteristics of Peas
Peas, scientifically known as Lathyrus oleraceus, are a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. These plants are characterized by their slender stems and delicate leaves, which bear clusters of exquisite pea flowers. Peas are annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle within a single year. They are cultivated as a cool-season crop in various parts of the world, with planting occurring from winter to early summer, depending on the location.
The average weight of a pea falls between 0.1 and 0.36 grams, making them relatively small but packed with flavor and nutritional value. The pea plant produces its fruit in the form of pods, which can be green or yellow. These pods are considered fruits because they develop from the ovary of a pea flower and contain the plant’s seeds. Other edible seeds from the Fabaceae family, such as pigeon peas and cowpeas, are also commonly referred to as peas.
- Peas are a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae.
- They have slender stems and delicate leaves.
- Peas are annual plants.
- They are cultivated as a cool-season crop.
- The average weight of a pea is between 0.1 and 0.36 grams.
- Pea plants produce pods that can be green or yellow.
- These pods are considered fruits.
- Pigeon peas and cowpeas are also referred to as peas.
Peas as Fruits Within Pods
The inclusion of peas within the fruit category may come as a surprise to some, but it is due to the presence of seeds within the pod. Pea pods are typically harvested when they reach maturity, ensuring that the seeds inside have developed fully. These pods not only protect the seeds but also serve as a means of dispersal for the plant, allowing its offspring to be spread far and wide.
Peas offer a versatile culinary experience because they can be consumed in different stages of maturity. Immature peas, as well as the tender pod in snow peas, are commonly used as a vegetable and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned. On the other hand, certain varieties of peas, known as field peas, are grown specifically for their mature and dried seeds. These dry peas, such as split peas, have been used for centuries to create comforting dishes like pease porridge and pea soup, which were staples of medieval cuisine.
Culinary and Historical Significance of Peas
The distinction between field peas and garden peas, commonly consumed in England, dates back to the early 17th century. Sugar peas, also known as mange-tout, were introduced to France from Holland during the reign of Henri IV. Green peas, which have become an iconic vegetable, were brought from Genoa and introduced to the court of Louis XIV in 1660.
Peas have played a significant role in culinary history, evolving in both taste and preparation techniques. In the 19th century, a development occurred where the indigestible skins of modern split peas were rubbed off. This process makes these pulses more easily digestible while preserving their nutritional value.
Production and Top Producers of Green Peas
China ranks as the leading producer of green peas, with an impressive production volume of 12.2 million tons. India closely follows, producing 4.8 million tons, while the USA generates 0.31 million tons. France and Egypt contribute 0.23 million tons and 0.15 million tons respectively. These countries prioritize optimizing their agricultural practices and environments to cultivate green peas. As a result, they maintain a steady supply of this nutritious vegetable to meet global demand.
- China: 12.2 million tons
- India: 4.8 million tons
- USA: 0.31 million tons
- France: 0.23 million tons
- Egypt: 0.15 million tons
“These countries optimize their agricultural practices and environments to cultivate green peas, ensuring a steady supply of this nutritious vegetable to meet global demand.”
Nutritional and Genetic Information About Peas
Raw green peas boast a composition of 79% water, 14% carbohydrates, and 5% protein. Despite their small size, peas pack a punch in terms of nutritional value. They are a rich source of essential vitamins, including vitamin C, which aids in immunity, and vitamin K, which promotes healthy blood clotting. Peas are also abundant in thiamine, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy production, as well as manganese, which supports metabolism and bone health.
Genetically, the pea has a relatively large genome size of 4.45Gb, indicating its complexity and potential for further research and genetic studies. The pea genome assembly covers an impressive 88% of the total genome (3.92Gb). Furthermore, analysis of the genome has predicted 44,791 gene-coding sequences, providing a wealth of information for future exploration and understanding of this remarkable plant species.
The pea, part of the Fabaceae family, offers its own unique contribution to the world of plants, cuisine, and genetic research. From its delicate flowers to its nutritious and versatile fruits, peas have captivated taste buds, inspired traditional dishes, and contributed to scientific knowledge. Whether enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried, peas remain a beloved ingredient worldwide, celebrated for their delicate flavor, vibrant color, and countless health benefits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an average pea?
The size of an average pea can be measured based on its length and width. According to the given information, the average length of a fresh green pea is 9.38 mm, with a range from 8.50 to 10.20 mm. The width of an average pea is 7.87 mm, varying between 6.50 and 8.50 mm. It is worth noting that the standard deviation is 0.518 mm for the length and the coefficient of variation is 5.522 percent. These measurements provide a comprehensive understanding of the typical size of a pea.
Is 1 cm the size of a pea?
Yes, a pea is approximately 1 cm in size. When measuring tumor sizes, doctors often reference common food items to give patients a better understanding of scale. For instance, if a tumor is described as being the size of a pea, it indicates that it is roughly 1 cm in diameter. This comparison aids in visualization and helps individuals comprehend the dimensions of the tumor more easily.
What is the MM size of pea?
The MM size of a pea is 10 mm. Tumor sizes can be measured using various objects as reference. For example, a pea is typically used to represent a size of 10 mm, providing a useful visual indicator for comparison.
Is the Earth was size of a pea?
If the Earth were the size of a pea, everything else in the solar system would also have to be scaled down. The Sun, which is currently around 109 times the diameter of Earth, would now have a diameter of about 70cm, roughly the size of a medium-sized exercise ball. The planets, moons, and other celestial bodies would all be proportionally smaller as well. This drastic change in scale would have significant implications for the gravitational forces and interactions between objects in the solar system. The dynamics of orbits and celestial mechanics would be completely altered, leading to a very different celestial landscape.