My Capucijner peas are getting plump. The vines have grown well past my four foot trellis and are climbing on my garden fence. Lots of fat purple pods are hanging on the vines. Most pods are deep purple, but a few are mottled with green and white.

My dad did tell me that he used to eat soup from this Dutch pea as a child growing up in Heiloo Holland. He remembers that his mom and his grandmother used to make it. He remembers his uncle saying “Heerlijk Capucijner, Jo” to his mother. I told him I’d invite him over when my Capucijner soup is ready.

Pisum sativum