English pea
This is the common garden
PEA, also known simply as green
PEA. But there's nothing common about its flavor, particularly during the
PEAk months of March, April and May and again from August to November. The French are famous for their tiny, young green
PEAs known as petits pois. Choose fresh
PEAs that have plump, unblemished, bright green pods. The
PEAs inside should be glossy, crunchy and sweet. Because
PEAs begin the sugar-to-starch conversion process the moment they're picked, it's important to buy them as fresh as possible. Refrigerate
PEAs in their pods in a plastic bag for no more than 2 to 3 days. Shell just before using. Both English
PEAs and the French petits pois are available frozen and canned.
PEAs are a fair source of vitamins A and C, as well as niacin and iron. See also
PEA;
LEGUME.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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