How to Freeze Peas From the Garden

Peas are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed all year long if you freeze them. Here are the steps on how to freeze peas from the garden:

1. Pick the peas. Peas are best for freezing when they are young and tender. The pods should be plump and green, and the peas should be small and sweet.

2. Shell the peas. Remove the peas from the pods. This can be done by hand or with a pea sheller.

3. Rinse the peas. Rinse the peas in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

4. Blanch the peas. Blanching is a process that stops the enzymes in the peas from breaking down, which helps to preserve their flavor and color. To blanch the peas, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender.

5. Cool the peas. Immediately after blanching, drain the peas and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

6. Dry the peas. Drain the peas from the ice water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

7. Package the peas. Place the peas in freezer-safe containers. You can use freezer bags, freezer-safe plastic containers, or glass jars. Be sure to leave headspace at the top of the containers so that the peas can expand when they freeze.

8. Freeze the peas. Place the peas in the freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours.

Frozen peas will keep for up to 12 months. To use frozen peas, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. You can then add them to soups, stews, casseroles, or pasta dishes.