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Pea history & personality |
Ready for an early spring adventure? Then stick with the hardy pea!
Peas are a mystery! You can get it, right? They hide in those cute little wrappers... Just kidding about that part, but it's true that the history of the pea is somewhat vague. Origins have been traced back nearly 5000 years, though, so this nutritional powerhouse is a definite keeper!
One thing that is known for sure... the extremely popular sugar snap pea was developed in the 1970's as a cross between garden (shelling) peas and snow peas.
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Pea lore |
Dried peas were eaten as a staple food throughout Europe during the middle ages. Later on, aristocratic French families began eating immature peas — pod and all! And a new form of vegetable cuisine began!
Former US President Thomas Jefferson loved peas! |
Peas are healthy! |
Peas, like other legumes, are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. They are also high in vitamins B, C, and K and a number of minerals. The vitamin content of dried peas is less than that of their garden-fresh cousins, yet they are still a good protein source. |
Fresh peas as food |
Fresh peas should be eaten soon after picking, as they tend to deteriorate quickly. This is one reason why you don't see too many fresh peas in the supermarket.
Peas can be dried or canned, but many people prefer to blanch and freeze any extras.
Peas — Try this: Garden peas are one of the first things to ripen from the spring garden. They're a real treat! Shelling them can be a bit labor intensive (which speaks to the popularity of the snap and snow pea varieties). In my kitchen, peas usually go in things: stir-fries or curry dishes, potato salad, chicken salad, or a fresh garden salad of tender early lettuce. |
Editor's pick for peas |
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References:
United States Department of Agriculture. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 21. http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata accessed December 2008.
Murray, M, Pizzorno J and Pizzorno, L (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.
National Geographic Society (2008). Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants . |
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Green Folk Say |
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| Oh, I feel so fresh and green! |
Yummy spring goodness is just a notch up from here. |
Next: meet my close friend Julian. A real cut-up! Julian Bean.
Or go back to Veggie Personalities.
For the freshest garden news, sign up for the Fresh Garden Update. |
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