What is the scientific name of the pea species assigned by Carl Linnaeus in 1753?
Carl Linnaeus assigned the scientific name Pisum sativum to this species in 1753. The Latin phrase translates directly to cultivated pea.
Questions about Pea
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When and where were the earliest archaeological finds of peas discovered?
The earliest archaeological finds of peas date from the late Neolithic era across Syria, Anatolia, Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Greece. Evidence in Egypt dates from between 4400 BC and 3800 BC in the Nile Delta area while findings from Upper Egypt span from 3800 BC to 3600 BC.
How many pea plants did Gregor Mendel examine during his experiments in the mid-19th century?
Gregor Mendel grew and examined about 28,000 pea plants throughout his research period. He chose these plants because pure-bred strains were readily available and their flower structure protected them from cross-pollination naturally.
Which countries led global green pea production in 2023 and what was the total output?
World production of green peas reached 21.5 million tonnes in 2023 with China and India leading global output combined at 86 percent total. Russia and China remain major producing countries for field peas while Canada, Europe, Australia and the United States follow closely behind.
When were hot pea soup vendors active in classical Athens and who documented early pea cultivation?
Vendors in the streets of classical Athens sold hot pea soup during cultivation periods between 500 BC and 400 BC. Theophrastus mentioned peas among legumes sown late in winter due to tenderness around 3rd century BC while Cato the Elder and Varro both referenced peas in agricultural works during first and second centuries BC.