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SPRING VEGETABLE
Description:
Peas are a member of the legume family and are one of the oldest vegetables in the world. They come in three common varieties.
The first variety are known as Shell Peas (also called English Peas or Garden Peas). You will probably recognize them as "peas in a pod". The peas need to be removed from the pod, which is inedible.
The second variety are known as Snow Peas. These are the small peas that come in a flat pod and are commonly used in Asian cooking. This variety is very sweet and tender and both the pod and peas are edible.
The third variety are known as Sugar Snap Peas. This variety has sweet round peas, similar to shell peas. Both the peas and pods are edible, as well.
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Selecting:
When selecting, choose those that are fresh looking with good color (shell and snap peas should have bright green color and snow peas more of a light green color). The pods should snap (not bend). When choosing snow peas, look for the smaller flat pods.
Peas should be nice and round without crowding each other in the pod. Overgrown peas are too close in the pod. They should not be touching each other. Avoid any damaged pods and any that appear to be yellowing.
Storing and Handling:
Fresh peas should be eaten as soon as possible for the best and sweetest flavor. They can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to approximately 4 days. Sugar snap and snow peas have a shorter storage life, only a couple of days in the refrigerator.
Preparing:
Shell Peas: Pop open the pod and remove the peas.
Snow and Sugar Snap Peas: Break back the stem and pull the stem parallel to the pod removing it along with the strings on either side of the pod as you go.
Rinse peas and pods thoroughly under cool water before using.
Raw: snow peas and sugar snap peas can be washed and then cut as desired or left whole and served raw.
Boiling: place in enough water to cover and boil for approximately 2-4 minutes.
Cooking Tip: after boiling, immediately remove peas and place in cold water to stop the cooking process. This will give you crisp-tender peas and pods.
Steaming: steam peas and pods in a couple of inches of water in a steamer basked, covered, for approximately 4-5 minutes.
Microwave: place peas in a covered microwave safe dish with a small amount of water. Cook for approximately 5 minutes.
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Serving Suggestions:
Side Dishes: Boil peas and pods and toss with olive oil or butter and herbs. You can also add some sautéed onions, mushrooms and sweet red peppers along with toasted pine nuts to the peas for a delicious and easy side dish.
Stir-Fry: Peas are a delicious and easy addition to any stir-fry and combine well with just about any vegetable.
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Seasonings and Foods to use with Peas: artichoke hearts (marinated are especially good), chives, dill, all lettuces, mint, oregano, rosemary, seafood and tarragon
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Quick Salad – Pea Recipes:
Green Pea Salad
Pea Salad Recipe
Pea with Cheese Salad
Return from Peas to Spring Produce Guide
