PEAS	VEGETABLES - KNOW YOUR VEG

Frozen peas are convenient and one of the most popular vegetables, but the flavour of fresh peas really is superior. They have a sweet taste, crisp texture and vivid bright green colour. When buying fresh peas in the pod, 1 kg of pods will give 350-450g of peas. Choose bright green, firm, young pods with a little air-space left between the individual peas. Avoid discoloured or wrinkled pods, overfull pods may contain hard, tough peas so avoid these too. Peas should be eaten as fresh as possible for the very best flavour.

How To Use Peas

Peas can be eaten raw or cooked. Fresh peas can be included in salads or used as a garnish for dishes containing cooked peas eg soups or pasta sauces. Cooked peas can be served simply with butter as an accompaniment to fish or chicken dishes or included in soups, purées or sauces.

How To Prepare Peas

Shell the peas by pressing your thumb and forefinger into the top of the pod and push the peas out with your thumb. Discard any that are discoloured or blemished. Wash in cold water and use as soon as possible.

How To Cook Peas

Peas can be boiled or steamed. To boil, bring a pan of water to the boil, add the peas and cook for 2 - 3 minutes, until just cooked. To steam, place in a steamer and cook for 3 - 5 minutes. Serve with butter and chopped fresh herbs such as basil, chives or mint.

How To Store Peas

Keep fresh peas in the pod, and keep refrigerated after purchase.

The information and images for this article have come from www.thinkvegetables.co.uk. It provides full information on all the main vegetables available on the UK market including nutritional information and delicious recipes. The site is a service provided by Mack Vegetables, one of the largest and most successful suppliers of fresh vegetables in the UK, serving a wide range of customers from caterers to major multiples. You can find out more about Mack by visiting the website at www.mwmack.co.uk