Black Peas, sometimes called "Parched Peas" or "Maple Peas" are a traditional Lancashire dish served often on or around Bonfire Night (5th November). The dish, popular in Bolton, is long soaked overnight and simmered to produce a type of mushy pea. "Parching" is a now defunct term for long slow boiling. Lancashire is a county in North West England, bounded to the west by the Irish Sea. ... A Guy Fawkes Night firework display Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night, is an annual celebration (but not a public holiday) on the evening of the 5th of November primarily in the United Kingdom, but also in New Zealand, South Africa, the province of Newfoundland... Statistics Population: 139,403 Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: SD715095 Administration Metropolitan borough: Bolton Metropolitan county: Greater Manchester Region: North West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Greater Manchester Historic county: Lancashire Services Police force: Greater Manchester Ambulance service: North West Post office and telephone...

Consumption

Black Peas are also commonly found at fairgrounds and mobile food counters. They are traditionally eaten from a cup with lashings of salt and vinegar. They can be served hot or cold, the former being especially so in the Winter months. At fair grounds they are served in thick white disposable cups and are eaten with a spoon. Many people fail to recreate the same taste Black Peas provide when bought at a funfair, however, the recipe is quite simple to follow.

Other variations

Although a peculiar of the North of England, it isn't widespread. Consumption is limited to certain parts of Lancashire, notably the Bolton area. A similar dish, although prepared slightly differently, is made in the North-East. Carlin Peas are a traditional staple of Carlin Sunday (the Sunday before Psalm Sunday). Other names given are Pigeon Peas and Brown Badgers. Unlike the Lancashire Black Peas, Carlin Peas are fried with butter for a few minutes and are often boiled for an hour rather than being slow boiled for upto 3 hours.

Availability

Availability of Black Peas isn't steady. They are typical usually of the end of October and throughtout November, therefore, it's difficult to find Maple Peas available for sale the rest of the year. They are available from local stores and also pet shops (Maple Peas are a good Carp bait) although these may not necessarily be food grade.

Black (parched) peas recipe

Ingredients - 1lb Maple Peas, Water

Method - Wash the peas thoroughly, making sure stones are removed. Leave the peas to soak overnight. Drain. Place in a large pan and fill with water. Bring the water to boil then let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Check often and top up with water where necessary. The Peas should be eaten soft and accompanied by salt and vinegar to taste. They are served in their own gravy.