Region of Origin
Commodity:
Peas
Description & Origin
Peas are members of the large, diverse legume plant family. While many varieties of peas are grown to be dried (these are known as field peas – distinguishable by their colored flowers), garden pea varieties are grown to be eaten as a fresh vegetable (unlike field peas, they have white flowers). Some types of garden peas have a fibrous pod and must be shelled (known as shelling peas). Others have ...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Fresh peas are rich in both Vitamin A and C and an excellent source of protein and fiber.
Our Varieties
Pea English
AKA: Green Peas, Garden Peas, Shelling Peas
Description
English peas likely first originated in Europe. They have a fibrous, thin-walled outer pod that is often scarred. The pods should be rounded and full, each containing individual bright-green peas that are plump and tender. Crisp when raw, tender when cooked, the peas are grassy and fresh with a starchy-sweet flavor. They are usually sold in pod, but imports are sometimes shipped shelled.
Variety Tips & Tricks
English peas must be removed from their inedible pods before use. The peas themselves are best when very lightly blanched or steamed. English peas are especially well-suited for freezing.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Pea Snap
AKA: Sugar Snap Pea
Description
Some form of snap pea likely existed in Europe in the 1800s, but the first variety for the modern commercial market was developed in 1979 by pea breeders who crossed a snow pea with a mutant shelling pea. Snap peas have since become one of the US’s most popular snacking vegetables. Snap peas, unlike snow peas, have partially-formed peas and a very thick, fleshy pod. Their color is bright to light green. The entire pod is edible with a refreshing crunch. Once cooked, they are sweet and tender with the unmistakable freshness of a pea.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Most varieties of snap peas have a “string” running along the inner curve of the pea. This fibrous string is tough to eat, and it is recommended that it be removed prior to eating or cooking. In recent years, some “stringless” varieties have been developed, but their availability is limited.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Pea Snow
AKA: Chinese Peas
Description
Snow peas were likely first developed in Europe, although they are often referred to as Chinese peas. These flat podded peas are light green with very small, underdeveloped peas. The entire pod is eaten and they contain no “strings.” Their flavor is fresh and grassy and the pod is crisp.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Snow peas are easy to use – the stem end can be trimmed, but it is not required. Plan to cook them quickly, as snow peas can easily become overcooked.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Garden peas have many applications in cuisines around the globe. Despite year-round commercial availability on most varieties, this cool-season crop is still regarded as a hallmark of spring. Shelling peas are enjoyed lightly steamed or boiled – and likely buttered – or added to soups and stews. They are known as a classic pairing with carrots, and for their role in the iconic dish of the British Isles: mushy peas. Edible-pod peas are often eaten fresh as a snack, but can also be sautéed, steamed, or added to quick-cooking curries and stir-fries.
Flavor Pairings
Mint, Parsley, Basil, Rosemary, Lemon, Carrots, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Spinach, Corn, Garlic, Shallot, Ginger, Olive Oil, Rice, Pasta, Pine Nuts, Parmesan, Butter, Shrimp, Beef, Chicken, Lamb
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
All peas should be stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator to maintain a cold, moist environment.
Peas can be eaten raw or cooked. Specific preparation instructions for each variety can be found above. Peas can be blanched, cooled in an ice bath, dried thoroughly, and frozen for up to 6 months.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Use the whole plant: pea leaves are also edible! More info on pea leaves is available under “Leafy Greens”.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32-36°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-Medium - Can cause accelerated yellowing and decay.
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Avoid storing near ethylene producing items.
Quality Assessment
Peas should be dark to light green and free from white, yellow, black, or brown discoloration. The pods should not have excessive insect damage or scarring, although some faint white or brown scarring is common on shelling peas. Wrinkled pods, or pods with a white cast may be overmature. Pods with developed peas (English peas or snap peas) should be mostly large enough to contain at least 3 peas, and well-formed peas should take up most of the pod. The individual peas should be fairly tender. Please see the USDA Market Inspection Instructions for Fresh Peas for more information on inspecting English peas and snap peas.
Important Handling Notes
Peas must be kept cold and moist – but they should not be subjected to freezing temperatures, which can cause water-soaked pods and rapid decay.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, peas may last up to 2 weeks.
