Specification:

Culinary Uses:

Curries and Stews: Cowpeas are commonly used in Indian dishes like chola dal or lobia curry.

Salads and Stir-Fries: Boiled cowpeas can be added to fresh salads or lightly stir-fried with spices.

Snacks: In some regions, roasted cowpeas are consumed as a crunchy snack.

Soups: They are also used in soups and casseroles, providing a hearty texture and flavor.

Nutritional Value: Cowpeas are highly nutritious, being rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They are also low in fat and contain complex carbohydrates, making them a heart-healthy choice. Cowpeas are particularly valued for their high protein content, which makes them an important food source in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Varieties:

Black-Eyed Peas: The most common variety, known for its creamy color and black spot.

Red Cowpeas: These have a reddish hue and are commonly used in some Indian and African dishes.

White Cowpeas: These are smaller, with a pale color, often used in curries and salads.

Benefits:

Cowpeas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, promoting weight loss, and boosting energy levels.

Cultivate Seasons for India:

Cowpeas are predominantly cultivated during the kharif season in India, with sowing typically done in June-July and harvesting in October-November.

Our Services

Reliable Sourcing:

Reliable sourcing of cowpeas (Chola) in India starts with partnering with farmers from regions known for producing high-quality legumes, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. These regions have the optimal climatic and soil conditions for cultivating nutrient-dense cowpeas. Collaborating with farmers who follow sustainable agricultural practices and adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) ensures that cowpeas are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides. It is important to work with certified suppliers who ensure that the beans are harvested at the right stage of maturity to maximize their nutritional content, flavor, and texture. Ethical sourcing practices and transparency in the supply chain are essential for ensuring a consistent supply of high-grade cowpeas.

Premium Quality Assurance:

Premium quality assurance for cowpeas involves multiple stages of rigorous testing and inspection throughout the production process. The first step is checking the moisture content, which should be below 12% to prevent spoilage during storage and transportation. The beans are also inspected for size, color, and uniformity, with particular attention to the removal of damaged, discolored, or immature beans. Quality tests are conducted to detect contaminants such as pesticides, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and microbial agents, ensuring the beans are free from harmful substances. In addition to these checks, the cowpeas are also tested for protein and fiber content, both of which are key indicators of nutritional quality. Proper storage in cool, dry conditions, combined with airtight, food-grade packaging, helps maintain the beans’ freshness and prevent insect infestation or mold growth. Adherence to certifications such as ISO, HACCP, and FSSAI guarantees that the cowpeas meet the highest standards of food safety and quality for both domestic and international markets.

Processes:

The processing of cowpeas (Chola) begins with harvesting the beans once they reach full maturity. After harvesting, the beans are sun-dried to reduce moisture content, which helps increase their shelf life. The dried cowpeas are then cleaned using mechanical systems to remove dirt, stones, and other impurities. The beans undergo sorting to separate them based on size, quality, and color. Some cowpeas may be dehulled and split, depending on market requirements. Throughout the process, regular quality inspections are carried out to ensure that the cowpeas remain free from defects and contaminants. The cleaned and sorted beans are then packed in airtight, moisture-resistant bags to preserve their quality. Proper labeling is done, followed by storage in controlled environments until the cowpeas are distributed to markets, ensuring they retain their nutritional integrity, flavor, and texture throughout the supply chain.

Packaging, Shipping & Delivery

Packaging:

Bags and Pouches:

For Cowpeas, high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminum foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.

Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:

These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Cowpeas. They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.

Laminated Bags:

For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.

Multi-Wall Paper Bags:

These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.

Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:

This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.

Paper or Carton Boxes:

After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.

Palletization and Wrapping:

Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.

Export Documentation:

Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.

Efficient Shipping:

Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.