peas

Peas Please!

Fresh peas mean that warmer weather is here — They’re at their best from late spring to early summer. The smaller, sweeter peas are usually a hit with kids. Try to see how many you can line up on a fork and dunk in your favorite Ranch.

Unlike sugar snap peas, traditional green peas (also called “English peas”) must be shelled before cooking and eating. This can be a fun activity for budding cooks.

Though they’re tiny, peas pack a nutritional wallop. Rich in vitamins A, C and K, they’re also a great source of fiber.

Pick, store & prep peas

Peas have it easy: even the pickiest eater will try a few. Here are some tips to help you serve them up fresh and plump.

Pick

• Look for closed, full pods. Pods protect the peas from damage and age. Pass up open or cracked pods. Pods that are tight and heavy hold the best peas.
• Go for color. The sweetest juiciest peas have shiny, bright green pods.
• Listen for a “pop”. If you can open a pod before you buy, keep your ears open. Fresh ones will crack or pop.

Store

• Store in the shell. Only shell once you’re ready to use them — stored peas without the shell will be noticeably less sweet.
• Eat ASAP! Peas are best the day you bring them home, but if you must store them, place them in a plastic bag in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

Prep

• Let your kids do the shelling. Just have them break off the stem and pull the string down the pod, then squeeze the pod to drop the peas into a waiting bowl.
• Eat only the peas. Toss the pods, strings and stems.
• They’re great raw or cooked. Once shelled, peas are ready for a simple salad. Or they can be steamed, boiled or added to variety of soups and casseroles.

Pea Recipes

Easy peasy dishes for kids of all ages.

• 

  Crunchy Pea Salad

  Bacon bits and cashews make a simple veggie salad sensational.

  View the recipe

• 

  Tuna Skillet Casserole

  Ranch brings new life to an old family favorite.

  View the recipe

• 

  Bow Tie Chicken

  This lasagna-like dish features peas and a kid friendly pasta shape.

  View the recipe

• 

  Layered Vegetable Salad

  A parfait of vegetables? Genius!

  View the recipe