Freezing Fresh Peas when they are in season is a great idea to get a regular supply of great quality peas throughout the year. It’s very economical too. Here is how to preserve peas at home.
If you are into prepping ingredients for later use, do check out my how-to freeze strawberries and how to make dried fenugreek leaves post too.
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About This Technique
Green Peas are freshly available in Winter and I make sure that to hoard on these green goodness, some to use freshly and some to freeze for the coming year. After all, to get a year-long supply of green peas, all you need to do is freeze some Fresh Green Peas when they are in the season.
And the time when you have nothing in the pantry to cook, these frozen peas come to your rescue. You can use them in Curries, Soups, Parathas, Pulavs, Salads, or any other dish that required green peas.
But freezing them is also a technique. If you just wash and freeze them, it won’t taste good and even won’t retain its color. And therefore, to retain the best flavor and color, it is important you blanch the peas before you preserve them.
So, if you also love green peas as much as I do, I will show you how to freeze them, so that you can enjoy them all around the year.
Equipment Required
- A pan with boiling water
- A big bowl with ice water
- Freezer bags
- Colander
- A Kitchen towel
Step by Step Recipe
Shell the peas and wash the kernels well with water.
Heat water in a large vessel. Once it comes to a boil, add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar to it. Add the shelled peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Drain the water and add the peas in a bowl filled with ice-cold water and let them sit in it for 4-5 minutes until they are completely cooled.
Drain the water and spread the peas on a kitchen towel.
Let them dry for a few hours. Store the peas in zip lock bags and freeze until ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a process where you cook vegetables quickly using boiling water and then add the same into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and retain their color and flavor.
Yes, you can freeze peas without blanching. But the shelf life of peas will be very less. You should consume them within a month, as peas lose their color and taste. They become starchy and distasteful.
To freeze peas without blanching, shell the peas. Wash and dry them. Line them on a baking sheet. Make sure peas are not touching each other. Put it in the freezer for a few hours, until peas are solid. Transfer in freezer-safe bags and freeze. Use within a month.
When you need to use the peas, take the required quantity out from the freezer. Wash the peas under running water and use. You can thaw them at room temperature and use.
Yes, sometimes if not stored properly, they might go bad. They will smell sour and probably have a white-colored liquid surrounding the peas. They can also get freezer burn, which can be known by the white skin over the peas or wrinkled texture.
If stored properly, these frozen peas can last for a year.
Recipe Card
How to Freeze Peas
Ingredients
- Fresh Peas
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Shell the peas and wash the kernels well with water.
- Heat water in a large vessel.
- Once it comes to a boil, add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar to it.
- Add the shelled peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the water and add the peas in a bowl filled with ice cold water and let them sit in it for 4-5 minutes until they are completely cooled.
- Drain the water and spread the peas on a kitchen towel.
- Let them dry for a few hours.
- Store the peas in zip lock bags and freeze until ready to use.
Naini
Hi Neha,
Mine have turned yellow-brown when I dried those after blanching. Any idea what could have gone wrong?
Thanks.
Neha Mathur
Did you put them in the sun or for long hours? You just have to keep them over a cloth for 2-3 hours.
Naini
Yeah those were near the window with sunlight falling on those..
Sahi pakde hain 🙂
Duration was not more than 3 hrs though
Neha Mathur
Keep them in shade next time.