GREEN PEAS

Peas

History

Peas originated at the same time as lentils about 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. Peas were used in their dry form (split peas) until about the sixteenth century when forms with tender seeds were developed that could be eaten fresh.

Types of Peas

Fresh Peas
The small, round, green vegetable has numerous names such as sweet pea, green pea, garden pea, or English pea. Generally, the fresh pea is harvested in the summer. It can be eaten raw or used in salads, soups, casseroles, stews, and other dishes. Also, it can be frozen and canned.

Pod Peas
Edible-pod peas include both Oriental or Asian (also Snow) flat type pods, harvested when the seeds are very small and immature, and the Snap or Sugar Snap Pea which resemble a typical fresh garden pea but with smaller seeds.

Heart Health

Comsuming the ideal amount of fiber daily (25g for women and 38g for men) has been shown by CDC studies to reduce levels of CRP, thus possibly lowering risk of heart attack as well. Half a cup of peas contains 4 grams of fiber.