Pea pods are eaten worldwide in different forms. They are very rich in taste and nutritious value. Peas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and lutein. It is a seasonal product but you can enjoy its taste round the year by preserving it. Freezing is the most common, easiest and quickest way to preserve peas. Frozen peas taste as good as the fresh ones and are economical too. To freeze pea pods read the instructions given below.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time required: 10-20 minutes
Resources required:
- Fresh peas
- 1 bowl of boiling water
- 1 bowl of ice cold water
- Zip lock bags
- Straw
Instructions:
1. Choose fresh green, crisp and tender pods
You need to choose fresh green, crisp and tender pods. It will best if you can collect the pods early in the morning, so that you can get fresh pods to freeze. You have to select the peas which are fully grown but are still immature, otherwise they will become hard and starchy. Remove all old, diseased, infected, soft, pulpy, wrinkled pods. Look for spotty, discolored or rusted pods and remove them also.
2. Wash the pods
Wash the pods thoroughly in plain cold water for 3 to 4 times. Remove all dirt, debris, mud or insecticides completely. Now break off the stems and remove the blossom end of the pea pods. Then pull the strings off. Today varieties of peas without strings are also available, so you can remove the pea pods very easily.
3. Blanch the pea pods
Before freezing you have to blanch the pea pods. This is an important step because enzymes in peas may break down and can change the texture, color and flavor of the peas during the frozen stage. Some bacteria also remain active in freezing stage which can be very harmful. Therefore to destroy these enzymes and bacteria peas are boiled (blanched) before freezing.
For blanching pea pods, you have to fill one pot with water and bring it to boil. Once the water comes to rolling boil point, add fresh green peas to it. Leave the peas in boiling water for about one and half minutes. Do not over boil the peas.
4. Take out the pea pods from the boiling water
Next, you have to take out the pea pods from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water. Keep the pea pods for 1-2 minute in ice cold water. You can add some ice cubes also, if required. Rapid cooling will make the pea pods crispy and will increase their shelf life. Then drain the pea pods thoroughly and place the pea pods in the paper towel.
5. Use air tight bags
Now you have to shift the cooled pea pods to air tight storage bags. For this you can use zip lock bags also. Fill the air tight bags with the pea pods leaving about half an inch of space at the top of the bag. Now you have to vacuum inside the bag to prevent the pods from drying or decaying. It will increase its storage life. For this you have to place a straw inside the bag from one side, and then seal or zip lock the remaining side of the bag. Remove the extra air of bag by sucking it out using straw. After removing all the air from the bag, press the straw at the insertion point and close the bag completely by slowly removing the straw from the bag.
6. Transfer the bags to the freezer
These frozen pea pods can be used year round if it is preserved properly.
Frequently asked questions:
1. How long we can store frozen pea pods?
Frozen pea pods can be kept for year round if it is processed properly.
2. Can I freeze pea pods without blanching?
Yes, cleaned pea pods can be stored in air tight bags, but their shelf life will be less
Quick Tips:
- Choose best quality pea pods
- Collect the pea pods in the morning time
- Time of Blanching and cooling of pea should be taken care of.
Things to watch out for:
- Always choose healthy and fresh pea pods.
- Always clean the pods before blanching.
- Do not overcook the pods.
- Storing bag should be air tight.
