What Does it Taste Like?

Peas have a sweet, grassy, and slightly starchy flavor that can complement many other ingredients. They are also tender and juicy, with a satisfying pop when you bite into them. Peas are best when they are young and fresh, as they tend to lose their sweetness and become hard and mealy as they mature. Peas can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference and the type of pea you are using. There are three main types of peas: garden peas, snap peas, and snow peas.

Garden peas, also known as shelling peas or English peas, are the most common type of pea. They have a thin, inedible pod that needs to be removed before eating. The peas inside are round and plump, and have a sweet and slightly starchy flavor. Garden peas are usually cooked and used in soups, stews, casseroles, or side dishes.
Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are a cross between garden peas and snow peas. They have a thick, edible pod that can be eaten whole. The peas inside are smaller and flatter than garden peas, and have a crisp and sweet flavor. Snap peas are often eaten raw as a snack or in salads, or cooked in stir-fries or sautés.
Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods or sugar peas, are a type of edible-pod pea that are flat and thin. The peas inside are very small and barely visible. Snow peas have a mild and sweet flavor, and a crunchy texture. Snow peas are commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially in stir-fries and salads.

Varieties we grow

Provider

Provider is a type of green shelling pea that has plump and tender peas with a rich and full flavor. It has bright green, slightly curved, and medium-sized pods that are about 4 inches long. It is great for freezing, canning, or making soups and stews.

Cascadia

Cascadia is a type of snap pea that has thick and juicy pods with a sweet and crisp flavor. It has dark green, smooth, and round pods that are about 3 inches long. It is ideal for fresh snacking or adding to salads and stir-fries.

Why Should I Eat It?

Peas are not only tasty, but also healthy. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Peas are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, folate, and B-vitamins. Some of the health benefits of peas include:

Supporting the immune system and preventing infections
Promoting blood clotting and bone health
Enhancing vision and skin health
Boosting energy and metabolism
Regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Improving digestion and bowel movements
Protecting against some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer

Peas

August - September

If you are looking for a versatile, nutritious, and delicious vegetable to add to your diet, look no further than peas. Peas are the small, round, green seeds that grow inside pods on a climbing plant. They belong to the legume family, which includes beans, lentils, and peanuts. Peas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are enjoyed all over the world in various dishes and cuisines.

Recommended Storage

Refrigerate

Freeze

Can

Dehydrate

How Do I Store It?

Short Term

Peas are best when they are fresh, but they can also be stored for later use. Store peas cold and moist, 32°-40°F and 95 percent relative humidity. Cold and moist storage is a challenge to create. Refrigerators provide the cold, but they also dry the air. Store fresh peas in a perforated bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week. Store cooked peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Long Term

Freezing: Freezing is a much better way to preserve the sweet taste and tender texture of fresh peas than canning is. It also preserves more of the nutrients in this healthy vegetable than canning does. Giving the peas a quick blanching in boiling water before freezing them ensures that they will retain their bright green color and do not turn to mush when you get around to cooking with them. The single-layer initial freeze prevents the peas from clumping together. To freeze peas, shell fresh peas and blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into ice-cold water to stop the peas from overcooking. Pat dry and freeze in a single layer for a few hours, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer. Frozen peas will last for 8-12 months.
Canning: Canning is another way to preserve peas for a long time, but it will affect their flavor and texture. Canning peas requires a pressure canner, as peas are a low-acid food that can harbor harmful bacteria if not processed properly. To can peas, shell fresh peas and pack them into sterilized jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Add boiling water or broth to cover the peas, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pint jar, if desired. Wipe the rims of the jars and seal them with lids and bands. Process the jars in a pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure for 40 minutes for pints or 50 minutes for quarts. Let the jars cool completely and check the seals. Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year.
Dehydrating: Drying is another way to preserve peas for a long time, but it will also affect their flavor and texture. Drying peas requires a dehydrator, an oven, or a sunny spot. To dry peas, shell fresh peas and blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Drain and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a dehydrator, an oven set to the lowest temperature, or a sunny spot. Dry the peas until they are hard and brittle, turning them occasionally. This may take several hours or days, depending on the method and the humidity. Store the dried peas in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year.

How Do I Cook It?

Peas are easy to cook and can be prepared in various ways. Here are some of the best methods for cooking peas:

Boil: Another quick and easy way to cook peas. In a saucepan, combine 16 oz. of peas with about ½ cup water. Bring the liquid to a boil with the lid off. Reduce heat, cover, and let your peas simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Drain off any excess liquid and serve.
Steam: A gentle and healthy way to cook peas. Pour about an inch of water into a saucepan. Place your peas in a steamer basket and drop it into the pan. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot. The steam that rises will cook the peas. We recommend steaming for 2-4 minutes, testing occasionally. When the peas are tender, they’re ready.
Sauté: A flavorful and versatile way to cook peas. Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium-high heat. If you’d like to add flavor, toss in a chopped onion or minced garlic. Let your aromatics cook for a couple of minutes, until they’re wilted and soft. Add about 2 cups of peas. Stir them around, still over medium-high heat, until they’re heated through and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper for sure, but consider sprinkling on your favorite spice or adding fresh herbs.

Recommended Recipes

Stir-Fried Beef and Snap Peas

Shepherd's Pie

What Goes Well With It?

Peas are super versatile, but they go particularly well with herbs and spices such as mint, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, dill, curry and black pepper. This makes them perfect in hearty curry dishes as well as lighter summer salads. Peas also pair well with other green flavors, such as asparagus, spinach, and basil. Some of the best ingredients to combine with peas are:

Cheese: Peas and cheese are a classic combination that can elevate any dish. Try adding some parmesan, feta, mozzarella, or ricotta cheese to your peas for a creamy and savory touch.
Bacon: Peas and bacon are another timeless pairing that can add some smoky and salty flavor to your peas. Crisp up some bacon bits and sprinkle them over your peas, or cook your peas in some bacon grease for extra flavor.
Lemon: Peas and lemon are a refreshing and zesty pairing that can brighten up your peas. Squeeze some lemon juice over your peas, or add some lemon zest for a burst of citrus.
Mushrooms: Peas and mushrooms are a hearty and earthy pairing that can make your peas more filling and satisfying. Sauté some mushrooms with your peas, or add them to a creamy sauce for a delicious pasta dish.
Ham: Peas and ham are a comforting and traditional pairing that can make your peas more substantial and flavorful. Add some diced ham to your peas, or use them in a soup or casserole for a cozy meal.