Rice Bean

Pre-1860s, small, beige, southern cowpea. Easy to shell and trellis on 4' fence. Later than other varieties but produces continually until frost. Most cowpea foliage irritates my skin, but this doesn't bother me. We use at the shelly stage, finding that their mild flavor makes them more versatile than 'earthier' cowpeas. We particularly like to use them in Vietnamese crepes instead of the usual unsprouted mung beans.