be brought by travellers and explorers into the countries of the Mediterranean as well as to the Far East.
9750 BC
Evidence of wild pea consumption by humans, discovered by archaeologists exploring the "Spirit Cave" on the border between Burma and Thailand.
7000 BC
An archaeological dig at Jarmo in northwestern Iraq uncovered peas that were dated between 7000 and 6000 BC.
3000 BC
The archaeological remains of Bronze Age villages in Switzerland contain early traces of primitive peas dating back to 3000 BC. Peas found buried in a cave in Hungary are believed to date back even further.
500 BC
The Greeks and the Romans were cultivating dried peas about 500 to 400 BC, and vendors in the streets of Athens were selling hot pea soup. Scholars believe …show more content…
However, there is evidence that by the 7th century peas were being cultivated by the Chinese and were called hu tou, meaning "foreign legume". Some believe the Chinese were the first to consider peas a fresh vegetable rather than a dried commodity, and to consume the entire pod.
800
When peas reached France around 800, Charlemagne had them planted in his domains. During the Middle Ages, dried peas became a staple food for European peasants. In their dried form, peas could be stored throughout the winter months. They were inexpensive and plentiful, and made a wholesome meal that the poor could afford.
1100s
In the 12th century, among other foods stored at the famous Barking Nunnery, near London, were "green peas for Lent."
1200s
By the 13th century peas were a popular food in France. Street vendors in Paris would cry "I have fresh peas in the pod."
1300s
At the end of the 14th century, the Italians had cultivated tiny peas called piselli novelli which were eaten fresh rather than dried.
1500s
Before the end of the 16th century, botanists in Belgium, Germany, and England described many kinds of peas: tall and dwarf; with white, yellow and green seed colors; smooth, pitted and wrinkled seeds. …show more content…
During the reign of King James I (1566 to 1625), shopkeepers could be heard touting their wares in the streets of London: "Hot grey peas and a suck of bacon."
1600s
Dried peas were used by the early explorers of "New France" to make traditional French Canadian pea soup. Nutritious and portable, peas were a staple of the voyageurs' diet, supplying the power behind the muscle and brawn of early exploration and trade in Canada.
1696
Fresh garden peas were not common until the 18th century. Toward the end of the 17th century they were still such a rare delicacy that fantastic prices were sometimes paid for them in France. "This subject of peas continues to absorb all others," Madame de Maintenon wrote in 1696. "Some ladies, even after having supped at the Royal Table, and well supped too, returning to their own homes, at the risk of suffering from indigestion, will again eat peas before going to bed. It is both a fashion and a madness."
9750 BC
Evidence of wild pea consumption by humans, discovered by archaeologists exploring the "Spirit Cave" on the border between Burma and Thailand.
7000 BC
An archaeological dig at Jarmo in northwestern Iraq uncovered peas that were dated between 7000 and 6000 BC.
3000 BC
The archaeological remains of Bronze Age villages in Switzerland contain early traces of primitive peas dating back to 3000 BC. Peas found buried in a cave in Hungary are believed to date back even further.
500 BC
The Greeks and the Romans were cultivating dried peas about 500 to 400 BC, and vendors in the streets of Athens were selling hot pea soup. Scholars believe …show more content…
However, there is evidence that by the 7th century peas were being cultivated by the Chinese and were called hu tou, meaning "foreign legume". Some believe the Chinese were the first to consider peas a fresh vegetable rather than a dried commodity, and to consume the entire pod.
800
When peas reached France around 800, Charlemagne had them planted in his domains. During the Middle Ages, dried peas became a staple food for European peasants. In their dried form, peas could be stored throughout the winter months. They were inexpensive and plentiful, and made a wholesome meal that the poor could afford.
1100s
In the 12th century, among other foods stored at the famous Barking Nunnery, near London, were "green peas for Lent."
1200s
By the 13th century peas were a popular food in France. Street vendors in Paris would cry "I have fresh peas in the pod."
1300s
At the end of the 14th century, the Italians had cultivated tiny peas called piselli novelli which were eaten fresh rather than dried.
1500s
Before the end of the 16th century, botanists in Belgium, Germany, and England described many kinds of peas: tall and dwarf; with white, yellow and green seed colors; smooth, pitted and wrinkled seeds. …show more content…
During the reign of King James I (1566 to 1625), shopkeepers could be heard touting their wares in the streets of London: "Hot grey peas and a suck of bacon."
1600s
Dried peas were used by the early explorers of "New France" to make traditional French Canadian pea soup. Nutritious and portable, peas were a staple of the voyageurs' diet, supplying the power behind the muscle and brawn of early exploration and trade in Canada.
1696
Fresh garden peas were not common until the 18th century. Toward the end of the 17th century they were still such a rare delicacy that fantastic prices were sometimes paid for them in France. "This subject of peas continues to absorb all others," Madame de Maintenon wrote in 1696. "Some ladies, even after having supped at the Royal Table, and well supped too, returning to their own homes, at the risk of suffering from indigestion, will again eat peas before going to bed. It is both a fashion and a madness."