Although most people consider the green pea to be a vegetable, it is actually a fruit. This is even stranger when you consider that it is a plant that prefers colder weather, which is unusual for fruit plants. The edible part of most pea species is the seeds that grow inside the seed pod although the pod can usually be eaten as well. The small green peas most people are familiar with are actually the immature seeds which are harvested before they mature.
Peas are believed to originate in the Mediterranean basin and evidence of them has been found as far back as the early Neolithic area. Traditionally, peas were grown in order to dry the seeds for preservation and later use in soups, stews, and porridges. Today, peas are generally used in their immature state and are boiled or steamed.
- Egg Foo Yung
- Creamy Mushroom Peas
- Tagliatelle with Smashed Peas, Sausage, and Ricotta Cheese
- Mushy Peas
- Baked Manicotti with Sausage and Peas
- Balsamic Pea Salad
- Spring Chicken with Carrots and Peas
- Lemon Pepper Peas
- Pearl Couscous with Chicken and Peas
- Restaurant Style Fried Rice
- Pastina with Peas and Carrots
- Italian Peas
- Broccoli with Bowties and Peas
- Sugar Snap Peas with Mint
- Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas
- Jasmine Rice
- Red Wine Risotto with Peas
- Peas with Mushrooms
- Pasta with Peas and Bacon
- Stir Fried Snow Peas with Mushrooms
- Pasta Salad with Salami, Carrots, Peas, and Roasted Red Peppers
- Tuna Macaroni Salad
- Fettuccine Alfredo with Prosciutto and Peas
- Creamed Peas and New Potatoes
- Roasted Carrots and Peas
- Italian Carrots, Peas, and Potatoes
- Roasted Asparagus and Peas
- Matar Pulao
- Traditional British Mushy Peas
- Mexican White Rice
- Baked Orzo with Fontina and Peas
- Indian Peas and Cauliflower
- Creamy Tortellini with Prosciutto and Peas
- Smoked Salmon Fried Rice
- Gnocchi with Prosciutto, Sweet Peas, and Chanterelles
- Colorado Mexican Rice
- Sugar Snap Peas with Onions and Bacon
- Creamed Peas with Bacon
- Risotto with Peas and Pesto
- Couscous Primavera
- Sugar Snap Peas with Red Peppers
- Brown Rice and Vegetable Risotto
- Ravioli Alfredo with Peas
- Pea and Avocado Salad
- Couscous with Peas and Mint
- Deep Dish Pea and Vegetable Casserole
- Peas with Shallots and Pancetta
- Pea and Pasta Salad
- Garlicky Green Beans and Peas
- Italian Sausage Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Peas, and Sweet Corn Salad
Related articles
- We Know What You Are Not Eating: Your Veggies (fillyourplate.org)
- Crazy for Cauliflower (fillyourplate.org)
- What’s in Season July 2014? (fillyourplate.org)