Did you know that pea soup was popular in ancient Greece? This veggie has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years, and continues to star in farmers markets throughout Michigan.
Types of Peas
There are three types of peas: shelling or English, snow, and sugar snap. If peas bring to mind small, round legumes, you’d be thinking of a shelling pea, which is bred with the intention of discarding the pod. Snow and (sugar) snap peas can be eaten whole, like a green bean. In fact, snow peas were originally dubbed mangetout, or “eat all”.
When are Peas Harvested?
Peas are often one of the first crops available at the beginning of the growing season, and can be found as early as May in parts of Michigan.
How to Store Peas
Avoid adding extra moisture to your market peas, and only rinse before eating. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing Peas at Home
According to Michigan State University Extension, fresh tender peas should be blanched for up to two and a half minutes before draining and storing for the freezer.
Pea Nutrition
Peas are a source of Vitamins A, B6, C and K, and despite the name of sugar snap peas, rank low in glycemic index. A half cup of peas also provides up to 19% of daily recommended fiber intake! A legume, peas provide vegetable protein in every serving.
Fresh Peas Near Me
Ready for fresh peas? Find a local source using our Find Food and Farms Directory!
References:
- The Story of Food, DK Publishing, 2018