The Purple Hull Pea (Vigna unguiculata) is really a bean. It's also regarded as a great Southern treat. One Renners customer swears by them, exclaiming, "They're real robust. They're blackeyed peas' big brother!" Southern cooks like to soak them an hour, add salt pork or ham hock, onions, and bacon drippings, then cover the whole with water and simmer 3 hours. The result can be eaten straight up or over rice. Mm-mmm.