Peas vs. Beans — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 31, 2023
Peas are green, round seeds inside pods; Beans are seeds from various plants, often larger and more elongated.
Difference Between Peas and Beans
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peas are the small, round seeds harvested from the pods of the leguminous plant Pisum sativum. They are typically green in color and are consumed as a vegetable. On the other hand, beans refer to the edible seeds from a variety of plants within the Fabaceae family. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
While peas are known for their sweet taste and tender texture, especially when they are fresh, beans have a variety of flavors and textures, depending on the type. Some beans can be meaty, creamy, or even nutty in flavor.
Nutritionally, peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, offering benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar regulation. Beans, in comparison, are also rich in protein and provide a healthy dose of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
In culinary use, peas often find their way into soups, salads, stir-fries, and as side dishes. Beans, due to their diverse varieties, can be used in numerous dishes, from soups and stews to salads, dips, and more.
Both peas and beans have been cultivated for thousands of years, playing important roles in various cuisines worldwide. Peas are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean basin, while beans have multiple centers of origin, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
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Comparison Chart
Origin of Word
From Latin 'pisum'
From Old English 'bean'
Grammatical Use
Singular: pea, Plural: peas
Singular: bean, Plural: beans
Part of Plant Eaten
Seeds inside pods
Seeds
Common Varieties
Green peas, snow peas, snap peas
Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans
Culinary Applications
Consumed as vegetables, in soups, stir-fries
Used in soups, stews, salads, dips
Compare with Definitions
Peas
A term indicating something minor or insignificant.
The amount of salt added was just a pea compared to the overall recipe.
Beans
The bean-like seed of certain other plants, especially coffee.
The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the cafe.
Peas
A plant of the legume family, especially Pisum sativum, cultivated for its seeds.
The pea plants in the garden are flowering beautifully.
Beans
Edible seeds from various plants of the legume family.
She made a hearty soup using mixed beans.
Peas
A pellet or small ball, typically used in a context where size and round shape are emphasized.
He found a pea-sized lump under his skin.
Beans
A person's head.
He got hit on the bean with a baseball.
Peas
An object resembling a pea in size or shape.
He had a green pea of paint on his shirt.
Beans
An insignificant amount or part, especially of money.
He doesn't have a bean to his name right now.
Peas
Small, spherical seeds harvested from the pods of the Pisum sativum plant.
She added fresh peas to the salad for a burst of green.
Beans
Any of various twining herbs of the genus Phaseolus in the pea family, native to the Americas, having leaves with three leaflets and variously colored flowers, and widely cultivated for their edible pods and seeds.
Peas
A member of the pea family.
Beans
A seed or pod of any of these plants.
Peas
A widely cultivated climbing annual vine (Pisum sativum) native to Eurasia, having compound leaves with terminal leaflets modified into tendrils and globose, edible seeds enclosed in a green, elongated pod.
Beans
Any of several related plants or their seeds or pods, such as the adzuki bean, broad bean, or soybean.
Peas
The pod of this plant
Picked peas for dinner.
Beans
Any of various other plants or their seeds or fruits, especially those suggestive of beans such as the coffee bean or vanilla bean.
Peas
The seed of this plant, used as a vegetable.
Beans
(Slang) A person's head.
Peas
A similar seed of various other plants, such as a cowpea.
Beans
Beans(Slang) A small amount
I don't know beans about investing.
Peas
Any of several plants of the genus Lathyrus, such as the sweet pea or the beach pea.
Beans
Chiefly British A fellow; a chap.
Peas
Plural of pea
Beans
To hit (another) on the head with a thrown object, especially a pitched baseball.
Beans
Plural of bean
Beans
S; drugs in pill form.
Popping beans
Beans
.
Beans
An insignificant value or amount.
Beans
.
Beans
A cut that reaches the hypodermis.
He told me he reached beans, I hope he’ll be okay.
Beans
Used to refer to something liked or disliked by the speaker.
That new movie isn't my bean of tea.
Common Curiosities
How long have peas and beans been cultivated?
Peas and beans have been cultivated for thousands of years across various cultures.
Can peas and beans be eaten raw?
While fresh peas can often be eaten raw, many beans require cooking to be safe for consumption.
Do peas and beans fix nitrogen in the soil?
Yes, both peas and beans can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other plants.
How do peas differ from beans in appearance?
Peas are typically round and green, while beans come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Are peas and beans good sources of protein?
Yes, both peas and beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein.
Can people be allergic to peas and beans?
Yes, some individuals may have allergies to specific types of peas or beans.
What family do peas and beans belong to?
Both peas and beans belong to the Fabaceae or legume family.
How are peas and beans preserved for long-term storage?
Peas and beans can be dried, canned, or frozen for preservation.
Are there medicinal uses for peas and beans?
Both peas and beans have various health benefits, though they're primarily consumed for nutrition rather than medicinal purposes.
Are snap peas and green peas the same?
No, snap peas have edible pods, while green peas are shelled before eating.
Are black beans and kidney beans similar in taste?
Both are types of beans, but they differ in taste and texture; kidney beans are mildly sweet, while black beans have an earthier flavor.
Which has more fiber, peas or beans?
While both are good sources of fiber, beans generally have a higher fiber content than peas.
Are green beans a type of pea or bean?
Green beans are a type of bean, despite being pod-like in appearance.
What cuisines prominently feature peas and beans?
Peas and beans are staples in many cuisines, from Mediterranean to Latin American and Asian.
How should peas and beans be stored?
Fresh peas and beans should be refrigerated, while dried beans should be stored in a cool, dry place.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
