Sweet, Sweet Peas

Ah, sweet, sweet peas! Green peas are my personal favorite and they are now in season so we can enjoy them when they have the best flavor (and are least expensive, which is always a plus).

Did you know that green peas are part of the legume family? Green peas happen to be overlooked compared to the rest of its legume family. Peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber, like its legume counterparts. But, they are one of the few legumes that are commonly sold and cooked as a fresh vegetable.

Peas stand out as an environmentally friendly food. What does that mean? Pea crops provide the soil with important benefits, such as:

Taking nitrogen gas from the air and converting it into more complex and usable forms
Having a shallow root system, which can help prevent erosion of the soil
Once picked, the remaining parts of the plant tend to break down relatively easy for soil replenishment

Besides helping the environment, there are other reasons we should all eat peas.

Health Benefits

Peas are great for your body! They provide so many health benefits in such a small package. Green peas are:

Rich in health benefiting phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants
Low in calorie… 1 cup of green peas equals to ~118 calories
Good source of protein, fiber and vitamin C
Excellent source of folate
Anti-inflammatory properties

Incorporating Peas

Peas are often eaten as a side by themselves, which can get a little boring. Fortunately, peas complement other vegetables! Peas are a great addition to: