Falling in Love with Peas

The season for garden peas lasts from spring through the beginning of winter. Not only are they delicious, but green peas also provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health, such as vitamin K. They also contain magnesium; vitamins C, A, B1, B3, B6 and B2; iron; zinc; folate; and copper.

When buying fresh garden peas, look for ones with pods that are firm and smooth and have a beautiful medium-green color. It's best to use fresh peas the day you buy them, but if you can't, then refrigerate them as quickly as possible in order to preserve their sugar content. Don't wash them or take them out of their pods if storing; instead, place them in unsealed container, and they will keep for four to five days. If you like, you can blanch them for two minutes and then store them in the freezer!

Here are some ideas using fresh or frozen peas:

• Grilled salmon with pea puree
• Creamy pea soup with garlic croutons, served hot or cold
• Guacamole made with peas instead of avocado
• Chicken salad with fresh peas
• Spaghetti carbonara with peas
• Fresh tomato sauce with peas on top
• Crab salad with cucumbers and peas
• Pea ice cream (I'm not kidding!)

Of course, don't forget to try my recipe for Pasta Pisello with Garden Peas in a delicate cream sauce that's slightly different from my Nona's. I think you will love it!

Sending a big bowl of love,
Cristina