How to Store Peas: the Best Way to Preserve Peas for a Long Time!

Peas are a staple in many kitchens, especially during their peak season in spring. However, as the colder months roll around, the craving for these sweet, tender pods doesn't fade. Instead of relying on store-bought canned peas, which can lack the freshness and flavor of home-cooked varieties, why not preserve your own? Making your own preserved peas is a satisfying way to enjoy this versatile vegetable year-round and ensures you have a ready supply for your culinary needs.

Making Your Own Preserves

To preserve peas at home, you only need a few simple ingredients and some canning jars. Here’s a basic method to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 800g of peas
• Water
• Salt
• 2 canning jars

Method:

Fill the jars with the peas and season them lightly with salt. Boil water and carefully pour it over the peas, filling the jars to just below the top. Seal the jars loosely, then turn them upside down. Place the jars in a large pot and fill with water until the jars are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil and then maintain a medium heat for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the jars from the pot and tighten the seals. Let the jars cool down completely at room temperature. Check the seals – the lids should be sucked down and not pop up when pressed.

Once cooled, your preserved peas are ready to be stored in a pantry or a cool, dark place and can last for several months.

Storing Raw Peas

Raw peas can indeed be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to use them soon. To keep them fresh, place them in an unsealed bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This method will maintain their quality for about a week.

Blanching Peas Before Storage

It is advisable to blanch peas before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Blanching – briefly boiling and then plunging into ice water – stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color, and texture. Blanching for 1-2 minutes is sufficient, followed by draining and cooling the peas quickly in ice water.

Freezing Peas

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the freshness of peas for a long time. After blanching and cooling the peas, dry them thoroughly to prevent ice crystals from forming. Then, spread the peas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until hard. Transfer the frozen peas to airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen peas can last up to 8 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

Storing Cooked Peas

Once cooked, peas should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. For longer storage, cooked peas can also be frozen following the same method as raw peas.