Nutritionist Leema Mahajan (and famous Indian health and fitness coach) says, peas are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing sweetness, freshness and bright blue.
However, keeping peas fresh for long periods of time can be a challenge, especially if you want to preserve their natural sweetness.
Ms. Mahajan explains that, to keep peas green and fresh if you don't want to use them right away - you need to boil water in a pan first. When the water starts to boil, you need to add a little salt and sugar. Then add green beans to the mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
“Once done, transfer the beans to ice cold water. This will prevent any wrinkles in the bean skin. Once the beans have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze,” Ms. Mahajan said.
However, this is not the only way to keep peas fresh longer. Here are some other methods taught by nutritionist Leema Mahajan.
Choose fresh beans: The first step to maintaining the freshness and sweetness of beans is to choose the best quality product. Look for beans that are firm, plump, and bright green.
Proper storage: Proper storage is important to maintain the freshness of peas. After purchasing or harvesting fresh peas, quickly refrigerate them to slow the natural rotting process.
Place peas in a perforated plastic bag or vented container to maintain airflow, while preventing excessive moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage of the peas.
Keep dry: Moisture is the enemy when storing peas. Excess moisture can cause peas to become mushy and lose their sweetness quickly. To keep peas dry, avoid washing them until you are ready to use them. If your peas are moist or wet, gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel before storing them in the refrigerator.
Avoid overcooking: Whether you steam, boil, or stir-fry your peas, it's important to avoid overcooking to preserve their natural sweetness and crisp texture. Cook the peas just until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch. Overcooked peas can become mushy and lose flavor, so keep an eye on them as they cook and check for doneness often.
Store bean pods separately:
Because pea pods also have a lot of beneficial nutrients and micronutrients, if you're harvesting peas from the garden or buying beans in their shells, consider storing the pods separately from the beans.
Bean shells release moisture as they age, which can speed up spoilage of the beans inside. Remove the beans from the pods, store in a breathable container in the refrigerator, and use the pods immediately for best results.
