Peas can fall into 3 categories: snow, english, and snap. Snow peas are eaten whole and grown primarily for their sweet-flavored pod - they should be picked before the peas inside plump up. English peas have tough, inedible pods and are grown for the peas inside. Peas should be round and plump. Snap peas, or sugar snap peas, are a mix of the two. While the pods are sweet and edible, the peas inside are also able to plump up and be eaten on their own.
Harvest:
Harvest peas between 2-4 inches. If you know what variety you have (Snow, snap, or english) - pick snow peas while still flat and tender, pick snap and english peas once the seeds have plumped up.
Hold vine in place with one hand and pinch and pull peas off the vine with the other to minimize damage to the vine. Alternatively, use a knife, scissors, or shears.
Harvest often to encourage more production.
End of the harvest:
Peas will produce fruit all Spring but are sensitive to the heat. They will slow production and eventually decline in Summer.
Storage and handling:
Store peas for up to a week unwashed and unshelled in the fridge.
With English or Snap peas, you can shell them and freeze the peas for up to 6 months.
Recipe ideas:
Peas are versatile! Cook on their own as a side dish, pair with grains or mashed potatoes, make a pea soup, or even pea pesto!
