With the support of our stable Hungarian producer base, this vegetable is always available in high quality in our wholesale assortment – ask us for a quote!Green peas (Pisum sativum) are one of the best known and most popular legume vegetables in Europe, grown and consumed for thousands of years. It originated in Central Asia, from where it gradually spread throughout Europe and is now widespread throughout the world. Green peas have a special place in gastronomy because of their pleasant, sweet taste and excellent nutritional value.
This vegetable is rich in vegetable protein, dietary fibre, minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium) and vitamins A, B, C and K. Its high antioxidant content helps the immune system, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and is good for digestion. Its economic importance is not negligible, as green peas are widely sold not only fresh but also frozen and canned.
Specificities of growing green peas
Green peas are a seasonal crop, grown mainly in spring and early summer in Europe. It is well tolerant of temperate climates and is mainly grown outdoors, although it is also grown in periodic crops in glasshouses and in foil pots.
In Europe, France, Spain, the UK and Hungary are the main producers of green peas. In Hungary, it is an important vegetable crop, grown mainly in the open air, typically harvested from April to the end of July. Fresh, domestic green peas are available on the shelves from May to the end of July, while the rest of the year the market is mainly filled with frozen or imported products (e.g. from Italy, France, Spain).
How to choose good quality green peas?
- Always choose pods with a bright, uniform green colour.
- The sleeves should be firm to the touch, crispy, avoid those that are soft or wilted.
- Avoid pods that have brown or yellowish spots on them, as this could be a sign of spoilage.
- The smaller pods usually hide sweeter and more tender pea seeds.
How to use green peas in the kitchen?
Green peas are extremely versatile. It is most often used in soups, stews, stews, salads, but it is also an excellent addition to side dishes. Its pleasantly sweet taste makes it a good accompaniment to meat, pasta and other vegetables.
Fresh, quickly steamed, it retains its vitamin content best, but you can also use it roasted in a wok or grilled in the oven. It is an essential ingredient in many international dishes, such as Italian risotto and British shepherd’s pie.
How to store the green peas you have bought?
- Freshly bought green peas should be stored in a vegetable storage compartment in the fridge, away from the pods, so that they stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- It loses its freshness more quickly when stored in airtight bags or containers, so it is recommended to develop immediately before use.
- For longer-term storage, it is recommended to blanch and freeze.
Interesting facts about green peas
- Green peas are one of the oldest cultivated crops, having been eaten in ancient Egypt and Rome.
- Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was a big fan of green peas, growing more than 30 different varieties in his garden.
- As the peas ripen, their sugar content decreases and their starch content increases, so they should be eaten fresh for the best flavour.
Tips for using green peas in the kitchen
- Make a cream soup with fresh mint and a little lemon zest – it brings out the natural sweetness of the peas.
- Fry in a little butter with garlic and parsley and serve with grilled meats.
- Toss it in a fresh salad, combine with feta cheese and cucumber for a light summer meal.
- Use as a quiche filling, enriched with cheese and egg.