Rediscovering Carlin Peas: A journey towards local food sustainability

Jennie Reid, October 2026

As part of our "Growing to Gathering" initiative, this year Transition Crich took part in one of Garden Organic's growing trials.

Carlin Peas - sometimes also known as brown, maple or pigeon peas are a great substitute for chickpeas – they have a similar nutty taste and are much easier to grow in this country. In most areas of the UK, they are a forgotten food, but you will still find them in specific regions such as Lancashire or Newcastle where they are eaten out of a cup, sprinkled with salt and vinegar. In these regions, they are commonly eaten on bonfire night or Carlin Sunday, around March.

The tradition of Carlin Sunday dates back to a Medieval feast day in the 12th Century when a dole was given to the poor in the form of dried peas. Carlin Peas also feature in a tale from the civil war in 1644, when Newcastle was under siege from the Scots, and a stranded shipload of peas saved many people from starvation.

The reason growing these peas is being investigated relates to climate resilience, as they represent a plant based source of protein which can be grown locally, thus reducing food miles.

Garden Organic sent us seeds with instructions on how to grow them and record the results.

The peas were sown in pots in March and planted out in May. The peas were harvested in July, once their pods had turned thin and papery, and the yields were recorded.

Despite the severe drought this Summer, the yield was reasonable (10g of seed producing around a 300g crop).

The trial also included a taste test, in which the dried peas were soaked overnight, then cooked until tender. They worked well as a substitute for chick peas in dishes such as curries.

If you would like to get involved in future trials, get in touch!