pigeon pea
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A legume seed: The edible, highly nutritious seed of the tropical pigeon pea plant (Cajanus cajan). It is a small, round pulse, often beige, brown, or speckled in color.
- A plant: A tropical, woody, perennial shrub or herb that produces these seeds, along with showy yellow flowers and flat pods.
Examples
- Noun (Seed):
- The recipe calls for one cup of dried pigeon peas.
- Pigeon pea is a good source of protein and fiber.
- Noun (Plant):
- The pigeon pea is cultivated throughout the tropics.
- Farmers use pigeon pea plants to improve soil quality.
Advanced Usage
- As a staple food: Pigeon pea is a dietary staple in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- In India, pigeon pea, known as toor dal, is a fundamental ingredient in many curries and soups.
- In agriculture: The plant is valued not only for its seeds but also as forage for animals and for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
- Pigeon pea is often grown as an intercrop to enrich the soil.
Variants and Related Words
- Cajanus cajan: The scientific (Latin) name for the pigeon pea plant.
- Toor dal / Arhar dal: Common names for split, dried pigeon peas in Indian cuisine.
- Gungo pea / Congo pea: Regional names for pigeon pea used in the Caribbean.
- Pulse: A general category for the edible seeds of legume plants, which includes pigeon pea.
Synonyms
- Legume: A broader term for plants in the Fabaceae family or their seeds.
- Dal / Dhal: Refers to split, often hulled, pulses used in South Asian cooking; pigeon pea is a common type.
Related Phrases
- Pigeon pea plant: Specifically refers to the growing plant itself.
- Pigeon pea cultivation: Refers to the agricultural practice of growing this crop.
Noun
- small highly nutritious seed of the tropical pigeon-pea plant
- tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers and flat pods; much cultivated in the tropics