Peas Please! How to cook & store fresh peas
STORING & COOKING
{creamed peas and potatoes recipe}
Green peas aren’t usually the star of the meal, but we think they deserve more attention! And we aren’t the only ones – many public health organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Cancer Society, recommend legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) for optimizing health and preventing disease. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend approximately 3 cups per week for a 2,000 calorie diet.
Legumes are plants that bear fruit in the form of pods – so all peas and beans belong to this family. Legumes are higher in protein than most plants, and can even replace other proteins (think meats, fish, eggs) in some meals. This makes them a great option for vegetarians, vegans, or people just looking to add more plants into their diets! Legumes are also rock stars when it comes to supplying fiber, phosphorous, and B complex vitamins.
Peas are truly delicious!
Photos courtesy of Pexels
Generally, there three types of peas: garden (or green) peas, snow peas, and snap peas. Here’s how to know the difference and choose the best!
“Green peas aren’t usually the star of the meal, but we think they deserve more attention!”
Only a small percentage of peas are sold fresh – fresh and frozen have the best nutrient content and flavor. Canned varieties may be convenient, but they do not retain original color, texture, or flavor as well. They may also contain a lot of salt, so make sure you look for “low sodium” or “reduced sodium” versions. To reduce sodium even more, you can rinse them before consuming.
How do you want to eat your peas? Try adding them fresh to green, pasta, or meat salads; sautéing with stir fries or as a side dish; snacking on them as you would fresh carrots. Want some more ways to enjoy peas? Try our delicious Creamed Potatoes and Peas recipe!
Easy Creamed Potatoes with Peas
Article courtesy of anutriciousdish.com
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