Cowpeas can be eaten two ways: one, with the pod on like a green bean, or two, left on the vine to harden and then harvest the individual beans on the inside to rehydrate and eat as black-eyed peas. Typically used fresh or cooked.
Cowpeas are associated with potential antidiabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties.