The fields are alive with shades of green — pea season has arrived! Whether you prefer the crisp crunch of sugar snap peas or the tender sweetness of shelled garden peas, there’s nothing like tasting them fresh from the vine. The moment you snap a pod in half and hear that crisp break, you know you’ve captured the flavor of summer.

Walking through the rows, you’ll smell the gentle, grassy scent of the plants and hear the soft rustle of vines in the breeze. Pea picking is a family-friendly activity, perfect for little hands eager to discover the treasures tucked inside each pod.

🌱 How to Pick the Best Peas

  • Sugar Snap Peas: Look for plump, firm pods with a bright green color. They should snap cleanly when bent.
  • Shelling Peas: Choose pods that feel full and rounded but not bulging, as overripe peas can be starchy.
  • Harvest Early in the Day: Morning harvests keep peas crisp and sweet.
  • Handle Gently: Pea vines are delicate — use two hands to pick, supporting the stem as you pull.

🏡 Storing Freshly Picked Peas

Peas begin to lose sweetness soon after picking, so it’s best to eat them as fresh as possible. For storage:

  • Refrigerate immediately in a breathable bag or container.
  • Use within 2–3 days for maximum sweetness.
  • For longer storage, blanch briefly in boiling water, cool quickly, and freeze.

🍽 Recipes That Let Peas Shine

  1. Pea and Mint Soup – Light, refreshing, and perfect chilled for a summer lunch.
  2. Stir-fried Sugar Snap Peas – Toss with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce for a quick side dish.
  3. Spring Risotto with Peas – Creamy rice punctuated with bursts of sweet green.

🌸 Other Uses for Peas

  • Add shelled peas to salads for a pop of sweetness.
  • Mash peas with a little lemon juice and olive oil for a vibrant toast topping.
  • Use sugar snaps raw as a crunchy snack or appetizer.

Want to bring home your own peas? These farms have them in season right now:

Pea season is fleeting, so grab a basket and head to the fields. Whether you snack as you pick or save them for a special recipe, these little green gems are one of summer’s purest pleasures.