Peas direct from Viners - how do I deal with them?

suzybloo

Hello folks, can anyone here tell me how to deal with a sack of peas which have come straight out of the fields off the back of the big pea viners. I know in general they dont taste good, but wondered if anyone could confirm what happens to them before they are frozen, as for instance Birds Eye state from field to frozen within two hours! We are fortunate in this area that the pea viners are starting to clear the fields, and many farmers are happy to part with a bagful. Hope someone can help, as I bought a bag of birds eye peas the other day and they were over £2, so the offer of these for the freezer is just too good to miss!

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Sit with a bowl in front of you and a composting bag to the side.

Pod, then tip bowl into pot of boiling water. As soon as they go bright green, drop peas into bowl of iced water, drain, dry, bag and freeze in portion sizes (they'll stick together).

Repeat until you are sick of peas (assuming that is possible) or the freezer is full.

Oh, and if they taste a bit floury, use them for soups, pies, green pease pudding instead of alone.

skintbint_2

hey suzy - do you not mean off the back of a lorry!!?

meanmarie

Excuse my ignorance, but are the peas still in pods? Assuming not, they should really be blanched for a minute or two in boiling water, then cooled quickly by putting in iced water, drained and frozen. I know that many people don't bother blanching, so with the amount you have I would suggest that you blanch some and freeze the rest unblanched and use them up first.

Good luck and enjoy

Marie

suzybloo

yip skint, quite a few lorries!! One could come your way if you wish!
Many thanks Jo-Jo, I thought that was possibly what happens - have been given the chance of a potato sack full (and more if wanted!) but didnt want to waste them by doing the wrong thing. Will go and search for all the recipes I can, as its not often you get something for nothing without asking.
Marie, they are mostly out of the pods, but they do need cleaning up and the odd ones thrown away.

skintbint_2

will soon take some off your hands Suzy - no neeps or carrots yet?
have no idea of recipes for the peas - risotto, can you dry them in a dehyrdrator thingy to save space in the freezer?