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Green peas are usually seen in their frozen pea form, but they're readily availble fresh, in their pods, from May to September.
Podding peas takes a little effort, but the contents are so fresh and juicy that it's a summer treat, not to be missed.
Go straight to pea recipes.
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About Peas |
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Peas are a type of legume - in other words a vegetable that grows in a pod, like runner beans or chick peas.
The difference is that fresh green peas, once removed from their pods, only need a few minutes' cooking.
They are delicious and sweet when small, getting less sweet as they grow more mature. |
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Peas are a good source of protein. A cup of them contains more protein than a whole egg, yet they're much lower in fat.
But... they're also high in sugar, which means they should be eaten in moderation.
Dried peas were found in Ancient Egyptian tombs, but it's believed that the fresh, green varieties weren't cultivated until the 17th Century.
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Mange Tout
Mange tout are immature pea pods which are eaten whole. They are also known as sugar snap peas or snow peas.
Did you know...?
The average pea weighs less than 1/4 gram. |
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How To Choose |
Choose pea pods that are fresh. They should "pop" or "crack" when you split them.
Ideally, you want the pods to be bulging with peas and certainly not rattling - a sign that the peas have dried out.
For mange tout, the pods should be smooth and shiny with the peas barely visible within the pods. |
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How To Store |
It's important to keep peas refrigerated after picking, or their sugar content turns to starch and they lose their flavour. They will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Peas freeze well (boil for 1 minute and drain well before freezing).
Canned peas have less nutrients and flavour than frozen peas. |
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How To Use |
Crack the pods and run your thumb down the inside to gently remove the peas.
Cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
For mange tout, you might want to trim the ends and then cook in boiling water for about 3 minutes.
Quick Ideas
Minted Peas
Boil with mint and then serve as a side dish.
Almond Peas
Mix with rice and flaked almonds, for a quick salad.
Pea Guacamole
Mash with lemon juice, a crushed clove or garlic and a splash of olive oil for a quick pea guacamole - tastier than it might sound!
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Suggested Recipes | |
Minted Peas
Almond Peas
Pea Guacamole
Got one? Send us your pea recipe! |
