Seasons/Availability
Green Pea shoots are available year-round.
Storage
Green Pea shoots should be wrapped loosely in damp paper towels and stored in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 4 days. They should not be washed until ready to use.
Uses
Green Pea shoots can be eaten raw as part of salads, sandwiches, wraps, and spring rolls. They can also be cooked quickly over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes or added at the end of cooking when making soups, stews, omelets, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. In addition to being used as an edible garnish on appetizers and entrees, Green Pea shoots are popularly juiced or made into pesto. They can also be used to make tea or added to smoothies. Green Pea shoots pair well with garlic, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, oranges, smoked salmon, cream cheese, eggs, and feta cheese.
Nutritional Value
Green Pea shoots are a good source of dietary fiber and contain vitamins A and C as well as folate and trace amounts of iron. They are also rich in antioxidants.
Tips
When selecting Green Pea shoots look for those that are bright green in color with no signs of wilting or yellowing on the leaves. Avoid any bunches that have slimy stems or discoloration. To clean Green Pea shoots rinse them under cool water before use. To maximize their flavor, use them as soon as possible after purchase.
The stems of the green pea shoots can be tough and chewy so it is best to remove them before consuming or cooking with the shoots. When adding Green Pea shoots to a dish towards the end of cooking, add them in small batches to avoid over-cooking and retain their crisp texture and fresh flavor. Lastly, make sure not to overcook Green Pea shoots as they will lose their delicate flavor and become limp or mushy.
