An A to Z guide to choosing, storing, preparing, and cooking fresh produce and recipe ingredients.
ICHIRO/Getty ImagesPeas
A serving of sweet green garden (or English) peas, which are really legumes, contains more protein than an egg—with less than
a gram of fat and no cholesterol.
Season: Year-round; peak spring and fall.
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How to Choose Peas
Look for pods that are firm, unblemished, glossy, crunchy, and full of medium-size peas. -
How to Store Peas
Keep peas unwashed (moisture speeds decay) and loosely wrapped in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer for up to 4 days. For maximum sweetness they should be eaten as soon as possible (the sugars begin converting to starch the minute they’re picked). Leave them in their pods until you’re ready to use them. Frozen peas keep for up to 8 months.
How to Prepare Peas
Garden peas should be shelled and blanched in boiling water just until they turn bright green (1 to 2 minutes).
Find out what's in season in your area right now, then locate a farmers' market near you.
