Peas are the May Harvest of the Month

Pass the peas, please! As one of the most popular side-dishes in the U.S., green peas are a healthy, classic favorite. Green peas are most commonly bought canned or frozen.

Fresh green peas can also be purchased at some grocery stores or farmers markets; however, they take some extra work to prepare – you’ll need to remove the pod and inner shells before eating the peas. Green peas are also called garden peas, English peas, field peas and sweet peas.

During the month of May, you may find peas used more abundantly in a variety of recipes from our cafeterias.

Did You Know?

  • Peas are easy to grow. Farmers and gardeners enjoy growing pea plants because they are low-maintenance and provide a nutritious and versatile food
  • Frozen green peas are more commonly purchased than fresh peas because of their convenience, price and the fact that they’re available all year round
  • Peas are a great source of plant-based protein: 100 calories of peas has more protein than an egg or a tablespoon of peanut butter
  • Although we often think of green peas when we hear the word “peas,” there are many varieties of peas, including sugar peas, snap peas, black-eyed peas and more
  • Farmers like to add peas to their crop rotations because peas can help improve the soil and can help farmers manage disease and pest cycles

Try These Delicious Recipes

Sautéed Peas and Asparagus
Pea Salad
Mixed Peas with Almond and Basil

What Pairs Well with Peas: The mild, sweet and spring-like flavor of peas tastes great alongside various dishes. They’re often paired with mac and cheese, chicken, potatoes, lemon and butter pasta dishes, salads, cod, mushrooms, soups and more. They can be eaten raw or cooked. One of the best ways to retain the nutrients while cooking peas is by steaming them. You can also boil them or sauté them; or, you can microwave them with a tablespoon of water using a microwave-safe dish and lid.

Making it Kid-Friendly: Some kid-favorite ways to eat green peas include:

  • Mixed in with mac and cheese or pasta
  • Cooked peas and carrots with a dash of butter and salt
  • Roasted and sprinkled with parmesan cheese for a crunchy snack

Nutrition and Health Benefits: Peas are packed with nutrition and meet the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for many vitamins and nutrients. Eating peas can help reduce inflammation, curb hunger, boost the immune system and promote healthy bones.

Calories: 62Protein: 4g
Total Fat: 0gFiber: 4g
Sugar: 4gVitamin C: 13% of RDI
Sodium: 0mgVitamin A: 34% of RDI
Manganese: 11% of RDIVitamin K: 24% of RDI

Serving Size: 1/2 c peas