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Peas

Originally written by Kimberly Cripps , former SDSU Extension Family & Community Health Field Specialist, with contributions by Megan Erickson, former SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist, and Hope Kleine, former SDSU Extension Health Education Field Specialist.

Pick it!

  • Peas are a member of the legume or bean family.
  • Pea plants develop pods that enclose fleshy seeds. Pod thickness depends on variety.
  • Fresh green peas should be refrigerated to keep their sugar from turning to starch making them less sweet.
  • Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 2-3 days. Eat them as soon as possible.
  • Rinse and shell green peas in large pods right before cooking. Pull the string from the pod, open the pod, push out the peas.

Try it!

  • Peas can be eaten fresh or cooked by steaming, sautéing, or stir-frying.
  • Trim the stem from the snow peas prior to cooking.
  • Remove the string and stem end from small, flat, sugar snap peas prior to eating.
  • Wash before eating.
  • All cooking methods should be done quickly to retain as many nutrients as possible.

Like it! Sugar Snap Peas with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Ingredients

  • 1 T peanut oil
  • 3 mushrooms sliced (1/2 cup)
  • 2 c sugar snap peas or snow peas – cut in half
  • 1 t low sodium soy sauce
  • 1-2 T toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Wash the peas and remove the ends and strings.
  2. Slice the mushrooms.
  3. Measure out the soy sauce and sesame seeds. Set aside.
  4. Heat oil in wok or large skillet. Use mediumhigh heat.
  5. Add mushrooms and stir-fry them until they are light brown.
  6. Add peas and stirfry them until they are crisp-tender. About 2 minutes.
  7. Add the soy sauce. Stir.
  8. Cover and cook for one more minute. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition Facts per Serving:

Source: Calories 90; Fat 6g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 115mg; Carbohydrates 8g; Fiber 2g; Sugar 3g; Protein 3g

Program Materials

Colorful fact sheets, recipe cards and educational videos provide educators and families with fun, engaging tools to enhance any dietary curriculum in a variety of settings.

Quick resources are available in the fact sheets below. Download the zipped folder to use the lesson plan, sampling instructions, recipes and display materials in your educational program.