English Peas Vs. Garden Peas in the Fridge
Storing peas in the fridge can be a bit tricky if you don't know the differences between English peas and garden peas. Each type has its own quirks and needs, which can affect how long they stay fresh and tasty.
English Peas: The Sweet Ones
English peas, also called shell peas, need to be shelled before you eat them. They're sweeter and more tender than other peas, making them a favorite for salads and soups.
| Feature | English Peas |
|---|---|
| Shelling Required | Yes |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, Tender |
| Common Uses | Salads, Soups, Sides |
Garden Peas: The Versatile Ones
Garden peas can sometimes mean English peas, but it also includes snap peas and snow peas. These peas are crisp and can be eaten raw or cooked, though they're not as sweet as English peas.
| Feature | Garden Peas |
|---|---|
| Shelling Required | Sometimes |
| Flavor Profile | Crisp, Mildly Sweet |
| Common Uses | Stir-fries, Raw Snacks, Salads |
Knowing these differences helps you store and use them better. For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge, lima beans Vs. fava beans in the fridge, and edamame Vs. soybeans in the fridge.
Storing English Peas
To keep English peas fresh, you need to store them right. Here’s how to do it.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate ASAP: Get them in the fridge as soon as you can.
- Don't Wash Before Storing: Moisture can cause mold. Wash them only when you're ready to use them.
- Use Airtight Containers: This keeps air out and freshness in.
- Store in the Crisper Drawer: The crisper drawer has the right humidity for peas.
| Storage Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate ASAP | Place peas in the fridge right away. |
| Don't Wash Before Storing | Wash peas only before use. |
| Use Airtight Containers | Store peas in airtight containers or bags. |
| Store in the Crisper Drawer | Keep peas in the crisper drawer. |
For more tips on storing veggies, check out our articles on green beans Vs. string beans in the fridge and sweet corn Vs. maize in the fridge.
Shelf Life of English Peas
English peas don’t last long. If stored right, they can stay fresh for up to a week.
| Storage Condition | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fridge (Airtight Container) | Up to 7 days |
If they smell off or have mold, toss them. To make them last longer, blanch and freeze them. For more on storing beans and veggies, visit our articles on black beans Vs. turtle beans in the fridge and lima beans Vs. fava beans in the fridge.
Storing Garden Peas
Garden peas need to be kept cool and moist to stay fresh. Here’s how to do it.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Put them in a perforated plastic bag to let air circulate. Store in the crisper drawer.
- Blanching and Freezing: For long-term storage, blanch them in boiling water, cool in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers.
- Avoid Moisture: Make sure they’re dry before storing to prevent spoilage.
Shelf Life of Garden Peas
How long garden peas last depends on how you store them.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3-5 days |
| Blanched and Frozen | 8-12 months |
For more on storing peas and beans, check out our articles on black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge and green beans Vs. string beans in the fridge.
Nutritional Comparison
Both English peas and garden peas are packed with nutrients, but they do have some differences.
Nutrient Profile of English Peas
English peas are nutrient-rich. Here’s what you get per 100 grams.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 |
| Protein | 5.4g |
| Fat | 0.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 14.5g |
| Fiber | 5.1g |
| Sugars | 5.7g |
| Vitamin C | 40mg |
| Vitamin A | 765 IU |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
| Calcium | 25mg |
For more on storing these peas, visit our section on storing English peas.
Nutrient Profile of Garden Peas
Garden peas are also nutrient-dense. Here’s what you get per 100 grams.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42 |
| Protein | 2.8g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.5g |
| Fiber | 2.6g |
| Sugars | 4.7g |
| Vitamin C | 60mg |
| Vitamin A | 1080 IU |
| Iron | 1.9mg |
| Calcium | 27mg |
To learn more about storing garden peas, check out our section on storing garden peas.
Both types of peas are great for a balanced diet. For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge and green beans Vs. string beans in the fridge.
Cooking with English Peas
English peas are sweet and vibrant, perfect for many dishes. Here’s how to use them.
Culinary Uses of English Peas
- Salads: Add a sweet crunch to salads.
- Soups: Great in pea and ham soup or creamy pea soup.
- Side Dishes: Sauté with butter and herbs.
- Pasta: Adds color and sweetness.
- Risottos: Adds flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips for English Peas
- Blanching: Boil for 2-3 minutes, then ice bath.
- Steaming: Steam for 3-5 minutes.
- Sautéing: Sauté in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and lemon juice enhance sweetness.
- Pureeing: Cook until tender, then puree with stock or water.
Blanching Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boil water in a large pot. |
| 2 | Add English peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. |
| 3 | Prepare an ice bath (bowl of ice water). |
| 4 | Transfer peas to the ice bath to stop cooking. |
| 5 | Drain and use as desired. |
For more on cooking beans and peas, explore our articles on black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge and lima beans Vs. fava beans in the fridge.
Cooking with Garden Peas
Garden peas are versatile and can be used in many dishes. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Culinary Uses of Garden Peas
- Soups and Stews: Adds flavor and nutrition.
- Salads: Fresh or blanched peas add color and crunch.
- Side Dishes: Sauté with butter and herbs.
- Pasta and Risottos: Adds sweetness and freshness.
- Rice Dishes: Stir into pilafs and fried rice.
Cooking Tips for Garden Peas
- Blanching: Boil for 2-3 minutes, then ice bath.
- Sautéing: Sauté in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs.
- Steaming: Steam for 2-3 minutes.
- Pureeing: Blend with cream, butter, and seasoning.
By trying these tips, you can enjoy garden peas in many meals. For more veggie comparisons, explore our articles on green beans Vs. string beans in the fridge and black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge.
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