Hap-pea-ness
Hap-pea-ness
Peas may be thought of as a vegetable, however, are actually a legume belonging to the same family as beans, peanuts, chickpeas and lentils. Peas grow on a vine in pods and are easy to tell when ripe for picking as they become plump. They are in season in NJ mid June through July and… Read More »
Peas may be thought of as a vegetable, however, are actually a legume belonging to the same family as beans, peanuts, chickpeas and lentils. Peas grow on a vine in pods and are easy to tell when ripe for picking as they become plump. They are in season in NJ mid June through July and are great additions to salads, soups, stir fries, pasta & rice dishes, omelets and so much more. We grow three varieties of peas here on our farm which represent the three main types of peas. Sweet peas or English Shelling peas are grown for their starchy inner seeds as the outer pods are inedible. Other varieties grown on our farm are snow peas and snap peas. Both of these peas have edible pods and are consumed in their entirety.
Green peas are one of the best plant-based sources of protein, are easy to grow, and are self-pollinating. So many great reasons to appreciate peas while in season today. Start enjoying peas with these fabulously curated recipes from our culinary and educational specialist, Miss Jenn. Peas with Tortellini & Prosciutto makes for an easy weekday meal
Or try this light and refreshing salad using snap peas or snow peas for a crowd pleasing favorite meal https://www.alstedefarms.com/recipe/alstede-fresh-berry-salad/
Become a pea expert with some great tips for making the most out of pea season provided by Miss Jenn. She advises to use them quickly or
freeze them. Sugar snap peas and shelling peas make a great snack eaten raw. Peas don’t have much of a shelf life, so she doesn’t recommend storing them, in their pods or shelled, for very long. The best way to store pods in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and use them within a couple of days. Once they’re shelled, the best way to store peas is to freeze them. First blanch them for a minute or two in boiling salted water and then shock them in an ice-water bath until cool, to help maintain their bright color. Drain and freeze them in zip-top bags. They will keep for five to six months.
Peas have a very sweet flavor and they take only a few minutes to cook, particularly when they’re very fresh and young, so they’re a perfect ingredient for fast weeknight dishes. In fact, the secret to maintaining their sweetness and bright-green color is to cook them as little as possible, just enough to make them tender. What’s more, peas lend themselves to almost any cooking method, from boiling and steaming to sautéing, stir-frying, and quick-braising.
Peas mild sweetness pairs well with many different flavors. Cured meats like bacon, pancetta, prosciutto, smoked ham, and chorizo work wonderfully with peas, as their pronounced saltiness complements the gentle flavor. Fresh mint is also a classic flavor partner, bringing peas to life in an instant. Peas will pair well with other fresh spring herbs such as basil, chives, and dill. Peas are a natural complement to onions, scallions, and other alliums, and they pair well with other spring vegetables like asparagus, new potatoes and carrots. Experiment adding peas into your favorite recipes to savor the season and enjoy their delicious flavor and nutritional value. Search our recipe deck for more inspirational ideas and recipes.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours! XO
