How to Freeze Peas
on Dec 09, 2020
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 freeze fresh 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.
Table of Contents
About This Technique
Green Peas are freshly available in Winter and I make sure 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 requires green peas.
Freeze a year-long supply of peas to use them in various recipes. I’ll show you how to do it easily so the green peas stay fresh for the whole year!
You will come across many posts on the internet which say that you can freeze the peas without blanching but please don’t fall for them. There is a simple scientific explanation for it.
The aging enzymes continue to age the peas even when they are in the freezer if they are not blanched. This results in the peas which are starchy and bitter.
If stored without blanching, the peas can remain good for only 2-3 months. They start to lose their sweet and tender flavor and texture because of the aging enzymes working on them.
So please do this one extra step and enjoy sweet and tender peas all year round.
Equipment Required
- A large pan for boiling water
- A big bowl for an ice bath
- Freezer bags
- Colander
- A Kitchen towel
Ingredients
For freezing peas, you will need just 3 ingredients – one being Green Peas and the other two are salt and water. That’s it!
Green Peas are available in abundance, during Winters. So get your hands on the fresh ones, and freeze for the remaining year when they are not available. It is much more economical than buying those store-bought frozen peas.
Choose fresh tender pods that are bright green in color. The large pods will have the peas which will be starchy so discard them. Also, make sure to freeze the peas as soon as you get them otherwise they will continue to age and lose the flavor and texture.
Salt and sugar season the peas from within, which makes them taste even better when used.
How to freeze Peas?
Shell the peas and take out all the kernels. Discard the shells.
Take tap water in a large bowl and wash the peas well. You just have to swirl and then scoop the kernels gently from the top of the bowl.
Heat water in a large pot. Once it comes to a rolling boil, add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar to it. Add the shelled peas and cook for 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook otherwise the peas will become mushy. Also, blanch the peas in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan otherwise some peas will be overcooked and some will be undercooked. Blanch them in batches.
Drain the water and add the peas to 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. Drying the peas to get rid of excess water is important otherwise they will stick to each other after freezing. 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.
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 them.
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.
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How to Freeze Peas
Instructions
- Shell the peas and take out all the kernels. Discard the shells.
- Take tap water in a large bowl and wash the peas well. You just have to swirl and then scoop the kernels gently from the top of the bowl.
- Heat water in a large pot. Once it comes to a rolling boil, add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar to it. Add the shelled peas and cook for 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook otherwise the peas will become mushy. Also, blanch the peas in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan otherwise some peas will be overcooked and some will be undercooked. Blanch them in batches.
- Drain the water and add the peas to 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. Drying the peas to get rid of excess water is important otherwise they will stick to each other after freezing. Store the peas in zip lock bags and freeze until ready to use.
Hi Neha,
Mine have turned yellow-brown when I dried those after blanching. Any idea what could have gone wrong?
Thanks.
Did you put them in the sun or for long hours? You just have to keep them over a cloth for 2-3 hours.
Yeah those were near the window with sunlight falling on those..
Sahi pakde hain 🙂
Duration was not more than 3 hrs though
Keep them in shade next time.