Peas are one of the oldest and most widespread legume crops that humanity has been cultivating for thousands of years. They are valued for their high nutritional content, plant protein content, and versatility of use. Peas and their varieties are used both in the food industry and in animal husbandry.
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Today, farmers have the opportunity to choose among many varieties of this crop, focusing on climatic conditions, type of farming, and target markets. And Glendeal — the first Ukrainian agricultural marketplace — helps obtain a decent profit from crop sales.
Main types of peas
The crop is divided into two main types of peas, each with its own characteristics and purpose. These include:
- fodder peas — grown for animal feed;
- vegetable peas — intended for human consumption.
Plants of the first group are characterized by high yields and low demands on growing conditions. At the same time, fodder peas are rich in protein, making them a valuable component of compound feeds.
Vegetable peas are used fresh, canned, or dried, as well as in cooking for soups, cereals, and purées. Two main groups are distinguished within this type.
The first includes shelling peas, which have dense pod walls that are not eaten. Only the shelled grain is used — as green peas for canning or dried for the production of groats and flour.
Sugar peas, belonging to the second group, are distinguished by soft and sweet pod walls that can be consumed together with the seeds. This type is often used in seasonal salads and other fresh dishes.
Hus, the types of cultivated peas include both food crops and forms used in animal husbandry. Therefore, this plant can be called universal.
Classification by ripening time and grain shape
According to ripening time, varieties of this crop are divided into early-ripening, mid-ripening, and late-ripening. This classification allows farmers to select optimal varieties depending on regional climate conditions and production needs.
According to grain shape, the following are distinguished:
- smooth-seeded peas — cook quickly, suitable for soups and purées;
- wrinkled (marrowfat) peas — have a sweeter taste and are better suited for canning.
Breeding continuously improves crop types by creating new varieties with enhanced characteristics. Modern varieties have:
- increased yields,
- resistance to diseases and pests,
- improved grain taste qualities,
- the ability to adapt to different climatic conditions.
Thanks to this, the crop retains its strategic importance in the structure of global agriculture. In Ukraine, it traditionally occupies a significant place in crop rotation and is widely used as both a food and fodder crop.
Our country is among the leading producers and exporters of peas, supplying this legume to global markets. The diversity of varieties allows Ukrainian farmers to adapt cultivation to different climatic zones — from southern steppes to northern regions.
Today, all types of peas are available for cultivation — from fodder to vegetable — among which shelling, sugar, green, and dried peas are especially distinguished. Each variety has its own economic purpose, allowing land resources to be used as efficiently as possible.
The choice of a specific type depends on the cultivation goal: meeting food needs, producing animal feed, or industrial processing. Thus, the versatility and diversity of peas make them indispensable both in crop rotations and in the global food balance.
