A pea is a most commonly green, occasionally golden yellow, or infrequently purple pod-shaped vegetable, widely grown as a cool season vegetable crop. Peas are very common in the cooking books of many countries. They may be used fresh or dried. When dried, they need to be re-hydrated to make it full and tender. ​Peas may be used in food, but also to feed cattle, small pets and birds. There are several seed mixes that requires the protein and the color given by this small legume.