Everything You Need to Know About Peas

Ah yes, those little green balls we call peas. One of my best friends as a young teenager called them alien eggs. I didn’t understand. Who DOESN’T like peas? Apparently many of you don’t. This week we are going to tackle this vegetable because AFFORDABLE. STAPLE. VEGETABLE. COLORFUL. PEAS.

everything you need to know about peas

Peas get overlooked because, like I said, people find them to be icky, including my daughter. However, frozen peas are a staple in our house because they are an affordable produce year ’round. I do not buy them fresh very often as they are usually sold per pound in their pods, which are the heaviest part of them. I am going to attempt to grow them this year so stay tuned to see how that works out and what the verdict is on growing them affordably. Meanwhile, I’m going to share a recipe later this week that will help “hide” this vegetable a little more.

WHAT ARE PEAS

Peas are a vegetable that is mostly grown for its seeds (We eat the seeds, which are inside the pod when they grow). Pea plants are vining plants that do well when grown on a trellis and it’s a good idea to check them often as they grow so you can guide those vines up the trellis instead of all over your garden as they are quite fond of taking over space and growing around other plants. Learned that from experience. My poor Brussels sprouts and broccoli were a bit strangled. They have a robust list of nutrients with Vitamin K topping the nutrient list.

HOW TO CHOOSE PEAS

You will find peas in the cooler section of the produce department during very limited times of the year. They are usually still in the pods and are in containers or a case where you can select the amount you want. You can also find them in the freezer section with other vegetables. When choosing fresh peas look for pods that are smooth and crisp looking, not wilted or cracked and spotted. When looking for frozen peas check the label to make sure salt/sodium hasn’t been added (very, very rare to find).

HOW TO USE PEAS

I love to add peas to soups and stir fries the most but sometimes we serve them as a side with butter or in a white sauce with pasta. This prosciutto, peas, and pasta with white sauce is a family favorite. I also cook then chill them in ice water and serve them in a tossed salad for something different.

When I serve them as an individual side, I steam or cook fresh or frozen peas with just a little water. I don’t like to boil them to death so usually just add a bit of water, put the lid on, and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also put them in a microwave safe bowl with a bit of water, cover them, and microwave them until hot, stirring every minute or so.

HOW TO PRESERVE PEAS

As I said above, I usually buy my peas frozen but have bought them fresh and frozen them a couple times. Here are the steps I follow for preserving peas.

FREEZING FRESH PEAS

BLANCHING FRESH PEAS

Bring stock pot of water to a boil.
Prepare a bowl of ice water (to stop the cooking process and cool the peas quickly after blanching).
Add peas to boiling water.
Blanch for 1 and 1/2 minutes.
Remove peas from water and give a quick ice bath.
Drain then package and freeze.

TIP: Flash Freezing: If you want your peas to freeze in individual pieces, spread them out on a cookie sheet that’s been covered in parchment, waxed, or freezer paper. Put in freezer for 1 hour then package as you wish for freezing.

STEAM BLANCHING PEAS

Put 2-3 inches of water in bottom of a pan and fit a colander over the top of it.
Bring water to a boil.
Prepare a bowl of ice water (to stop the cooking process and cool the peas after blanching).
Put peas in colander/steamer basket.
Steam cook for 3 minutes.
Remove peas from water and give a quick ice bath.
Drain then package and freeze. (You can also flash freeze per the tip above.)

TIP: I use my salad spinner to get excess water off my produce after blanching and before freezing.

CANNING PEAS

I don’t play with canning recipes too much since I’m not an expert at pH balances and don’t want to risk killing anyone but I have several go-to resources any time I can – Fresh Preserving and Food in Jars. I have a pressure canner but it needs a few pieces replaced (it’s the canner we used when I was a kid) so I only use recipes that can be waterbath canned. See everything I use to water bath can and steps that show just how easy it is.