Black-eyed peas, also referred to as cowpeas, are a type of legume, which is a vegetable class that also includes beans and lentils. Black-eyed peas provide a low-fat source of protein, iron, potassium, folate, magnesium and fiber per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Purchasing canned black-eyed peas helps reduce cooking time over the dried version of the legume, but usually have much more added sodium than the frozen version. Because canned black-eyed peas are precooked, options for eating include using them straight from the can in casseroles or salads, or heating them up to eat as a side dish.