From Rancho Gordo. Whether you are a traditionalist and insist on a ham hock or a modern hipster cooking with just some aromatics and sea salt, these Black Eyed Peas are sure to impress. These peas are easy to cook and enjoy. Also, excellent with hot sauce! A type of cowpea, Black Eyed Peas are believed to be native to Africa. They became an important food source in the American South sometime during the 17th or 18th centuries and at some point, they became a traditional good luck meal on New Year's Day.