Pigeon Peas Festival in Diego MartinCEFR A2
24 Sept 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Gabre Cameron, Unsplash
Pigeon peas inspired a small food movement in Diego Martin. Florence Warrick-Joseph grew a bumper crop and, after an event course in 2014, she proposed a festival. People were unsure at first, but the group went ahead and held the first festival in 2015.
The community collected many recipes and made a commemorative book. Cooks prepared pholourie, accra, roti and a doubles with stewed pigeon peas. Warrick-Joseph also made sweets and drinks, including ice cream and a pigeon-peas wine. She later developed a gluten-free bara from pigeon pea flour and serves it with stewed peas, cucumber and tamarind sweet sauce.
Difficult words
- pea — A small round seed that can be eaten.peas
- festival — A special event to celebrate something.
- recipe — Instructions for cooking a dish.recipes
- flavorful — Having a strong and pleasant taste.
- healthy — Good for your body and mind.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What is your favorite dish that uses peas?
- Why do you think festivals are important for local food?
- How can we promote healthy eating in our communities?
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