Peas

Peas

Peas are the edible seeds or pods of plants in the genus Pisum, part of the family Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae). They are widely cultivated for their nutritional value and sweet flavor. The most common types of peas include garden peas (Pisum sativum), snow peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum), and snap peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon).

Starting Pea Plants

To start pea plants:

1. Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, typically 4-6 weeks before the last frost date
2. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart
3. Keep soil moist but not soggy
4. Provide support, such as trellises or netting, for climbing varieties
5. Peas can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.

Harvesting Peas

Peas are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after sowing, depending on the variety. To harvest:

• For garden peas, pick the pods when they are plump and the peas inside are fully developed
• For snow peas, pick the pods when they are flat and the peas inside are just starting to develop
• For snap peas, pick the pods when they are plump and the peas inside are partially developed
• Pea plants will continue to produce for several weeks with regular harvesting.

Saving Pea Seeds

To save seeds from peas:

1. Allow the pods to mature and dry completely on the plant
2. Harvest the dry pods and remove the seeds
3. Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

Common Pea Varieties

Some commonly grown pea varieties include:

• Garden Peas: Also known as shelling peas, these are grown for their sweet, tender seeds; examples include 'Little Marvel' and 'Green Arrow'
• Snow Peas: Flat pods with small, tender seeds; examples include 'Mammoth Melting Sugar' and 'Oregon Sugar Pod'
• Snap Peas: Plump pods with sweet, crunchy seeds; examples include 'Sugar Snap' and 'Super Sugar Snap'
• Dwarf Peas: Compact plants that do not require support; examples include 'Tom Thumb' and 'Little Sweetie'

Uses as Food

Peas are a versatile ingredient in many dishes:

• Cooked and served as a side dish or in salads
• Used in soups, stews, and casseroles
• Stir-fried or sautéed with other vegetables
• Pureed for use in dips, spreads, and sauces
• Added to rice or pasta dishes
• Used as a topping for toast or crostini
• Peas are also known for their nutritional value, being high in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K.