Peas snap

Peas Snap Recipes

 

Availability: July

Storage tips: Refrigerate in a plastic bag for at least a week.

How to eat: The whole pod is edible--do not shell these peas! Snap peas are great as a snack in kids’ lunches or with a dip. We also enjoy them in soups or in Asian stir-fries. Before biting into them make sure to snap off the tops and pull the strings off, as they are indigestible.

How to preserve: To freeze raw, snap tops off of peas as you would for eating them.  Chop into 1-2" pieces depending upon how you like them.  Pack into plastic ziplock bag and freeze.  Use them in stir-fries or soups or other cooked applications as they will not be as crisp as they are when fresh.

Snap Peas with Mint and Lemon

Cooking snap peas is actually a preferred way of eating these sweet July treats!  Here's a way to dress them up that is good eaten right away or served as a cold salad.

1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 pint snap peas (about 1/2 pound), tops snapped and strings removed and discarded
1-2 garlic scapes (or cloves of garlic), minced
1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.  Add snap peas and stir frequently until crisp tender.  Try to stop them before the pods have opened up and expose the peas inside.  Add garlic scapes and stir for 30 seconds.  Remove from heat.  Stir in mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Serve hot or chilled.