How to Freeze Peas

Freezing Fresh Peas when they are in season is a great idea to get regular supply of great quality peas throughout the year. It’s very economical too. Here is how to freeze fresh peas at home.

To get year-long supply of green peas, all you need to do is freeze some fresh peas when they are in the season. When you have nothing in pantry, they come to your rescue.

You can use them in curries like Aloo Matar, Aloo Matar Gobi or Matar ka Nimona,  breakfast like Poha, Upma, sautéed vegetables, soups or however you like it.

To retain the best flavor and color, it is important you blanch the peas, else peas will lose their color and flavor.

Freezing fresh peas

While choosing the peas for freezing, it is important that you choose neither underripe nor overripe peas. To choose the peas, check they aren’t tightly packed in the pod.

Pick the peas which are ripe and bright green and round in shape.

Shell and freeze the peas soon after you have bought them or picked them. Sooner you get peas from harvest to freezer, tastier and longer the peas will last.

Try to store individual packs to avoid freezer burn and restrict moisture, so peas don’t decay faster.

If you are freezing a big batch, blanch them in parts, to avoid overcooking. Make sure to not over boil the peas to retain the color and best flavor.

Can you freeze fresh peas without blanching them?

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 freezer for a few hours, until peas are solid. Transfer in freezer-safe bags and freeze. Use within a month.

What is the best way to freeze Fresh Peas?

The best way to freeze the fresh peas is to blanch them and freeze them. Blanched peas can be frozen and used for up to a year.

Blanching is cooking peas in boiling water for 2-3 min and then transferring them to ice cold water for 4-5 min. This helps in retaining the maximum flavor, nutrition and color.

How to thaw frozen peas?

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.

How to freeze peas Step by Step

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.

Freezing Fresh Peas

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How to Freeze Peas

Freezing Fresh Peas when they are in season is a great idea to get regular supply of great quality peas throughout the year. It's very economical too. Here is how to freeze fresh peas at home.

Course Cooking Basics

Cuisine Continental

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Author Neha Mathur

Ingredients

• Fresh Peas
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Sugar

Instructions

1. Shell the peas and wash the kernels well with water.

2. Heat water in a large vessel.

3. Once it comes to a boil, add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar to it.

4. Add the shelled peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.

5. 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.

6. Drain the water and spread the peas on a kitchen towel. 

7. Let them dry for a few hours.

8. Store the peas in zip lock bags and freeze until ready to use.

Recipe Notes

Blanch the peas in batches. Do not overcrowd while blanching otherwise some peas will be overcooked.

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