One of the best ways to keep your pea harvest fresh for the long haul is to pop them in the freezer. I love this method because it locks in all those healthy nutrients, and when you’re ready to cook, they’re done in a flash. To make sure your peas stay tasty while they’re chilling out, you just need to follow a few simple prep steps.
Harvesting Your Peas
If you’re planning to freeze your peas, you want to pick the pods while they’re still bright green and tender. If they’ve stayed on the vine too long and feel tough, you’re better off letting them fully mature so you can dry your peas later instead.
Keep an eye out for damage or signs of disease, like powdery mildew. If a pod looks funky, toss it! Peas from diseased pods often have a nasty, mushroom-like aftertaste that you definitely don’t want in your dinner.
It doesn’t really matter if you harvest on a sunny afternoon or a rainy morning, but do make sure to give the pods a good wash. You want everything nice and clean before you start shelling so no dirt hitches a ride into your freezer bags.
Blanching Your Peas
Before they hit the freezer, you’ll want to give your peas a quick blanch. Start by shelling them, and keep a sharp eye out for any pests or bugs that might have tucked themselves inside. If you find any “hitchhikers,” throw those peas in the trash—not the compost pile! You don’t want those pests sticking around to snack on the rest of your garden later.
How to blanch like a pro:
- Get a bowl of ice water ready.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Drop the peas in for just a few seconds.
- Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and plunge them straight into the ice water.
- Drain them well in a colander.
Here’s a pro tip: Let the peas dry completely before freezing. If they’re still wet, they’ll freeze together into one giant green ice cube! Spread them out on a kitchen towel for a bit; they usually dry pretty fast. Once they’re dry, you can bag them up in whatever portion sizes work best for your family.
Using Your Frozen Peas
There are so many ways to use your frozen stash! Some folks like to mix peas into their dog’s food for a nutritional boost. If you do this, make sure they are fully cooked first, as raw peas can be tough on a pup’s tummy.
While humans can handle a few raw peas here and there, they really taste best (and are easier to digest) when cooked. The best part? You don’t even have to thaw them! Just toss a handful directly from the freezer into your soups, stews, or pasta. They usually cook through in just a few minutes.
Don’t let them sit in the freezer forever, though. Every time you open the freezer door, moisture gets in, which can lead to freezer burn. Plus, even the best freezer bags aren’t 100% airtight, and peas can eventually pick up “freezer smells.” For the best flavor, try to use them up within about six months.