Pea Laxton's Progress - McKenzie Seeds

Edible-podded peas include both Snow Peas and Snap Peas.

Snow Peas have flat, tender pods with small, undeveloped peas inside.

Snap Peas have crunchy, delicious plump pods with sweet full-sized peas inside.

Harvesting and Storage

Although peas can be grown without supports, they are easier to pick when they have been grown on a support. 

When harvesting, use two hands or pinch off pods or try using scissors. Be careful not to break the brittle pea vines.

Pick when young and tender for best flavor. Color will fade and pods will harden when overripe.

Snow peas should be harvested when peas are undeveloped and pods are young, bright green and flat. Best to use up snow peas soon after harvest since they quickly lose their sugar content after picked. Harvest regularly to increase the yield.

Snap peas can be harvested when the pods are plump and crisp. They can be eaten at any stage, pods and all without removing the string.

Best when used same day they are picked but can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

Companion Planting: Beans, Carrot, corn, cucumber, radish

To Prepare Garden Peas or Sugar Peas for Freezing

1. In a large pot with tight fitting lid, fill approximately 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, prepare shelled peas or edible-podded peas for blanching by washing, trimming and stringing as necessary.
3. Drop peas into boiling water and immediately cover with a tight fitting lid. (Ideally it is best not to blanch more than one pound of peas at a time)
4. Blanch shelled peas for 1 ½ – 2 minutes and pods for 5 minutes.
5. Prepare an ice water bath in a large 5 to 6 quart container or use the sink.
6. Remove the peas from the blanching water with a slotted spoon or blanching basket.
7. Emerge the peas in the ice water bath for 5 min. or until completely cool. If ice is unavailable, use several changes of cold tap water to cool the vegetables.
8. Remove from water and drain.
9. Label and date freezer bags.
10. Pack peas into prepared freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible. Using a straw to suck out the excess air work best and then seal and freeze. Peas can be frozen for up to a year.

Note: Blanching water and ice water bath may be used over and over again. Return blanching water to a boil after each batch of vegetables is blanched and replenish water if necessary.