How to choose fresh green peas

by Cookthink

Freshly harvested English peas are a sweet and delicate treat. But that sweetness does not last; the longer peas sit after being picked, the starchier they become. If you are buying peas from a farmers’ market or grocery store, check to see when they were harvested. Peas are at their best when used within a few hours of being picked. Look for pods that are full but not bulging -- overly mature peas are tough and starchy and not nearly as sweet as smaller ones. If you buy peas in the morning and don’t plan on cooking them until evening, leave them in their pods and store them in the refrigerator; this will help retain their sugar and flavor. One pound of peas in their pods yields about 1 cup of shelled peas. If you are unable to find freshly harvest English peas, substitute good-quality frozen peas.