The pea, commonly known as a round green bean, is derived from the annual leguminous vine Pisum sativum.
The garden pea, the most prevalent variety, is typically consumed without its pod, which encases several small round peas. While fresh peas are sold within their pods, they are often removed for canned or frozen consumption.
In many regions worldwide, garden peas are boiled and served alongside other vegetables as a main dish or used to prepare pea soup. In Japan and other Far Eastern countries like Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia, garden peas are often roasted, salted, and consumed as snacks, with Japanese snack peas frequently coated in wasabi sauce for added flavor.
Other pea varieties include the snow pea and snap pea, both eaten pod and all, commonly featured in Asian stir-fries. Snow peas are consumed before the pod inflates, giving them a flat appearance, while snap peas are eaten after the peas partially mature and inflate the pod.
Storage and Use
Purchasing and storing peas requires careful consideration to maintain their quality and nutritional value. While fresh peas are often favoured for their taste, they can lose their sweetness and texture quickly due to their high sugar content, which converts to starch soon after harvesting. This makes storage challenging, as fresh peas should be consumed within a few days. In contrast, frozen peas offer several advantages. They are typically flash-frozen shortly after harvest, which locks in their nutrients, flavour, and texture at their peak. This process not only extends their shelf life significantly, but also ensures that you have access to high-quality peas year-round, without worrying about them spoiling quickly. Frozen peas are also highly versatile in Asian cooking, enhancing dishes like stir-fries, curries, and fried rice with their vibrant colour and sweetness. Additionally, frozen peas are convenient, as they can be stored for several months in the freezer, ready to be used at a moment’s notice without any compromise on their nutritional benefits.