How to Clean Snap Peas
Choose fresh, young peas., Harvest them at the right time., Examine for any blemishes., Place the pods into a strainer., Wash your hands., Rinse the pods off., Spray them with a vegetable cleaner., Set the pods aside., Remove the ends of each pod...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose fresh
Select snap peas that appear firm, but not hard.
If you place the pod up to your ear and shake just slightly, you should hear a little bit of rattling.
This indicates that the peas are mature.
Look for a consistent bright green color free of dark marks or blemishes.If you choose pea pods that are too old, then you run the risk of a fibrous, chewy texture. -
Step 2: young peas.
IF you are taking your peas directly from the field, instead of buying them in a store, then you need to pick them at the perfect time to ensure the right texture and flavor.
Aim to pick the pods before the temperature gets too warm.
Make sure that you can process the peas immediately after picking.To remove the peas, place your fingers at the spot where the stem meets the pod and gently apply pressure.
This should snap the pod off while keeping the vine intact. , Before you begin the cleaning process, sift through the pea pods with your hands and inspect each one for any markings or cuts.
Discard those pods that have obvious blemishes or cuts that go through the pod and into the interior.If you are hesitant to simply throw away damaged pods, you can sometimes cut off the bad portions with a sharp knife, after following the cleaning process. , Empty all of your pods into a strainer with small holes or slits in the side.
Make sure that none of the pods can slip through these gaps.
If you have too many pods, then you may need to do the rinsing process in a few separate loads., Take a moment to run your hands under warm water.
Scrub them with soap and then dry them thoroughly.
This will prevent any bacteria from your hands from coming into contact with your freshly cleaned pea pods., Turn on your tap water and place the strainer under the stream.
Gently move the strainer around and use your free hand to move the pods.
Try to get water on every pod.
Continue to rinse for a few minutes until you no longer see dirt or debris on the pods., These sprays serve the same purpose as a water bath, but are supposed to add an extra layer of protection against dangerous pesticides and bacteria.
Follow the directions on the bottle carefully when using.
Doing a thorough cleaning is especially important as some types of snap peas have been placed within the pesticide-laden “Dirty Dozen.”, Place the strainer onto a plate.
This will allow the water to continue to run off the pea pods as you choose them for cutting and shelling.
There is no need to do anything but air dry them at this point., Choose a single pod.
Use either a sharp knife or your fingers to remove the end of the pod that connected to the stem.
Cut it through or apply enough pressure so that it snaps away.
You do not need to trim the other end, although you may choose to do so.A sharp paring knife is generally the best tool to use, if any, for this task.
Make sure to go slowly as the pods can be a bit slippery post-washing. , After you cut the end off the pod, you might notice a tough string.
This string is fairly thick and travels down the length of the pod.
Grasp this string with your fingers or pin it against the knife and pull.
It should slide out of the pod fairly easily.Be aware that some stores sell prepackaged stringless snap peas.
This means that you can wash them and then eat them immediately, skipping the cutting stages., As you finish each pod, set it into a new bowl or strainer.
When you are finished with the trimming, give the whole group of pods another quick wash under the water., You can set the pods out to dry on a fresh, clean towel.
Or, you can pat them dry one-by-one with a paper towel.
Either way, it is important to get them completely dry, especially if you plan to freeze them, as any water will turn into ice crystals., If you want an extra layer of protection against chemicals, you can place your pods into a vinegar solution prior to cutting.
Make a solution comprised of 90% distilled water to 10% vinegar.
Let your peas sit for 15-20 minutes before removing them.However, be aware that is has been shown that a cold water rinse can remove between 70-80% of pesticides from most produce. , As soon as you finish the cleaning process, decide immediately whether to store or eat your peas.
You can store your peas for up to 4 days in a container with some air circulation in a refrigerator., Once your peas are cleaned you can eat them straight away as-is.
They will have a crunchy texture that goes well on top of salads or as a quick snack., If you choose to remove the peas from the pods, then you can place the pods in some boiling water to create pea-flavored stock.
This stock can then be used to add flavor to rice and other dishes., Boil the pods, with the peas inside, in water for 5 minutes or so.
Add a dash of salt to the water mid-boil.
Remove the pods, drain them, and place them immediately in a bowl with cold water., Throw some pods into a saucepan with olive oil and garlic.
Add any other vegetables and continue stirring until everything is cooked through.
The pods should be cooked after about 5 minutes on medium heat.
Remove and eat. -
Step 3: Harvest them at the right time.
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Step 4: Examine for any blemishes.
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Step 5: Place the pods into a strainer.
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Step 6: Wash your hands.
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Step 7: Rinse the pods off.
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Step 8: Spray them with a vegetable cleaner.
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Step 9: Set the pods aside.
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Step 10: Remove the ends of each pod.
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Step 11: Remove the strings.
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Step 12: Place the cut pods in a new bowl.
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Step 13: Dry thoroughly.
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Step 14: Soak them in a vinegar solution.
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Step 15: Eat or prepare as soon as possible.
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Step 16: Eat them raw.
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Step 17: Boil the pods for stock.
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Step 18: Blanch the pods.
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Step 19: Saute them.
Detailed Guide
Select snap peas that appear firm, but not hard.
If you place the pod up to your ear and shake just slightly, you should hear a little bit of rattling.
This indicates that the peas are mature.
Look for a consistent bright green color free of dark marks or blemishes.If you choose pea pods that are too old, then you run the risk of a fibrous, chewy texture.
IF you are taking your peas directly from the field, instead of buying them in a store, then you need to pick them at the perfect time to ensure the right texture and flavor.
Aim to pick the pods before the temperature gets too warm.
Make sure that you can process the peas immediately after picking.To remove the peas, place your fingers at the spot where the stem meets the pod and gently apply pressure.
This should snap the pod off while keeping the vine intact. , Before you begin the cleaning process, sift through the pea pods with your hands and inspect each one for any markings or cuts.
Discard those pods that have obvious blemishes or cuts that go through the pod and into the interior.If you are hesitant to simply throw away damaged pods, you can sometimes cut off the bad portions with a sharp knife, after following the cleaning process. , Empty all of your pods into a strainer with small holes or slits in the side.
Make sure that none of the pods can slip through these gaps.
If you have too many pods, then you may need to do the rinsing process in a few separate loads., Take a moment to run your hands under warm water.
Scrub them with soap and then dry them thoroughly.
This will prevent any bacteria from your hands from coming into contact with your freshly cleaned pea pods., Turn on your tap water and place the strainer under the stream.
Gently move the strainer around and use your free hand to move the pods.
Try to get water on every pod.
Continue to rinse for a few minutes until you no longer see dirt or debris on the pods., These sprays serve the same purpose as a water bath, but are supposed to add an extra layer of protection against dangerous pesticides and bacteria.
Follow the directions on the bottle carefully when using.
Doing a thorough cleaning is especially important as some types of snap peas have been placed within the pesticide-laden “Dirty Dozen.”, Place the strainer onto a plate.
This will allow the water to continue to run off the pea pods as you choose them for cutting and shelling.
There is no need to do anything but air dry them at this point., Choose a single pod.
Use either a sharp knife or your fingers to remove the end of the pod that connected to the stem.
Cut it through or apply enough pressure so that it snaps away.
You do not need to trim the other end, although you may choose to do so.A sharp paring knife is generally the best tool to use, if any, for this task.
Make sure to go slowly as the pods can be a bit slippery post-washing. , After you cut the end off the pod, you might notice a tough string.
This string is fairly thick and travels down the length of the pod.
Grasp this string with your fingers or pin it against the knife and pull.
It should slide out of the pod fairly easily.Be aware that some stores sell prepackaged stringless snap peas.
This means that you can wash them and then eat them immediately, skipping the cutting stages., As you finish each pod, set it into a new bowl or strainer.
When you are finished with the trimming, give the whole group of pods another quick wash under the water., You can set the pods out to dry on a fresh, clean towel.
Or, you can pat them dry one-by-one with a paper towel.
Either way, it is important to get them completely dry, especially if you plan to freeze them, as any water will turn into ice crystals., If you want an extra layer of protection against chemicals, you can place your pods into a vinegar solution prior to cutting.
Make a solution comprised of 90% distilled water to 10% vinegar.
Let your peas sit for 15-20 minutes before removing them.However, be aware that is has been shown that a cold water rinse can remove between 70-80% of pesticides from most produce. , As soon as you finish the cleaning process, decide immediately whether to store or eat your peas.
You can store your peas for up to 4 days in a container with some air circulation in a refrigerator., Once your peas are cleaned you can eat them straight away as-is.
They will have a crunchy texture that goes well on top of salads or as a quick snack., If you choose to remove the peas from the pods, then you can place the pods in some boiling water to create pea-flavored stock.
This stock can then be used to add flavor to rice and other dishes., Boil the pods, with the peas inside, in water for 5 minutes or so.
Add a dash of salt to the water mid-boil.
Remove the pods, drain them, and place them immediately in a bowl with cold water., Throw some pods into a saucepan with olive oil and garlic.
Add any other vegetables and continue stirring until everything is cooked through.
The pods should be cooked after about 5 minutes on medium heat.
Remove and eat.
About the Author
Carolyn Palmer
Creates helpful guides on lifestyle to inspire and educate readers.
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