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Veggie of the Month - peas

May Fruit of the Month: Pea

The May Veggie of the Month is Peas!

The May Fruit of the Month is Pea!

Can you name a food that’s part of the protein and fruit food group? It’s peas! Peas are a small, but mighty legume that are full of nutrients that keep your body healthy and energized. Keep reading to learn about peas and how to get the whole family to love them!

Peas are a Good Source of:

  • Fiber—great for liver and digestive health
  • Vitamin A—for cell heath
  • Vitamin C—a powerful antioxidant for your immune system
  • Folate—important for red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth
  • Vitamin B6—helps carry oxygen to the blood

Did You Know?

  • Peas often grow on a vine supported by a pole.
  • Green peas are sometimes called sweet peas or English pease. 
  • Peas are actually classified as a fruit, though most people refer to them as vegetables.
  • Peas helped ward off famine in the Middle Ages!

How to Choose and Store Peas

When picking peas in the garden, choose firm and bright peas that have no sign of decay or wilting. Store peas in a perforated plastic bag for 3–5 days in the refrigerator. Shell them just before using. To remove the shell, rinse and then pull the string down the length of the pod. Push out the peas with your thumb.

Tips to Get Children to Eat Peas

  • Frozen peas make for a tasty snack!
  • Sprinkle on top of their favorite pasta or pizza
  • Let them build their own salad, with peas as a topping option

Ways to Prepare Peas

  • Raw
  • Blended
  • Steam
  • Boil
  • Bake
  • Sauté
  • Frozen

Let’s Get Cooking

Pea Guacamole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 can green chilies, drained, diced (4 oz)
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt (to taste)

Directions

  1. Mash peas until smooth
  2. Add lime juice, tomato, onion, green chilies, cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well
  3. Serve with an assortment of raw vegetables and whole-grain tortilla chips

Sugar Snap Peas with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil
  • 3 mushrooms sliced (½ cup)
  • 2 cups sugar snap peas or snow peas, cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Wash the peas and remove the ends and strings
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat
  3. Add mushrooms and stir-fry them until they are light brown
  4. Add peas and cook until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes
  5. Stir in the soy sauce
  6. Cover and cook for one more minute
  7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds

For more creative cabbage-based recipes visit MyPlate Kitchen! With so many possibilities, like Parmesan Peas, Couscous with Peas and Onions, or Split Pea Soup you’re sure to find something that is tasty for the whole family!

Fact Check: SDSU Extension, MyPlate Kitchen, Dr. Axe

Download the Lesson Plan
Explore more Fruits & Veggies of the Month!

Can’t get enough fruits and veggies? Be sure to check out Harvest of the Month, a downloadable educational program designed to make learning about fruits and veggies easy, tasty, and fun!