Anyone know why my black-eyed peas taste like petroleum?

Every year I make Hoppin John for New Years. I buy the same peas at the same place--same brand, same freshness, etc. This year they have a horrible smell--a little petroleum like and a little metallic. And they taste bad. They didn't have any odor or other give away signs of having gone bad. I'm scratching my head over this.

Lori Lyn Narlock
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3 Comments

Iamthewalrus
Iamthewalrus November 13, 2019
I know this is a really old thread, but I just have to reply. I recently got a pressure cooker and have been experimenting with all sorts of beans. It’s great. Except... black eyed peas. Horrible smell!! Like ammonia? My whole apartment smelled like hair dye ;) Weird thing is, my boyfriend can’t smell it. I get the same thing with buckwheat, which others love. Maybe I have olfactory dysfunction.
 
Sam1148
Sam1148 January 1, 2013
Are they fresh peas, dried, or frozen.
Sometimes if you soak dried beans too long they have a yeasty smell. What other additions did you add? Late onions this time of year can have a sulfur smell almost metallic.
 
Lori L.
Lori L. January 1, 2013
Thanks, Sam. They were fresh. This year instead of following the directions on the package, I sauteed some ham and vegetables, added the beans and water and brought to a boil. The smell from the pot--which I use for everything and have never had a problem with--was more of a stench, but not a normal food stench. And the beans were tough. It took about two hours before they were finally tender. Weird. I'll write to the company tomorrow.
 
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