Question: What Texas town is known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World”?
Answer: Athens. The good-luck lentil became associated with the town when local businessman J.B. Henry commercialized the distribution of dried black-eyed peas in 1909. After World War II, the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce reportedly recruited Elmore “Tiger” Torn, father of the actor “Rip” Torn, to promote black-eyed peas around the world for their health and agricultural benefits and their supposed propensity to bring good fortune.
Since 1971, Athens has hosted the annual Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree, featuring live music, cookoffs, and a pea-shelling competition.
