Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Wednesday’s Helping: Peas

Green with vitamins a plenty
They’re the small and round morsels that may have made you cringe while you were a child. The sweet flavor of this all-natural ingredient can sweeten up any savory dish. Peas are a member of the legume family. The plant is scientifically known as Pisum Sativum and the growing season runs during the spring and summer months. The actual peas are the plant’s seeds, which develop inside a pod. Three main varieties of peas are available on the market: garden peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. Peas are one of only a few legumes that can be sold fresh. If selecting fresh peas, the pods should be crisp and snap without bending. Only five percent of the world’s production of peas is sold fresh. The majority is sold frozen or canned. Cooks can steam, blanch, boil, and stir-fry this ingredient. Peas are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. They also contain vitamins C, K, and A.

No comments:

Post a Comment