How To Store Peas For a Long Time

There’s a reason why your parents always told you to finish your peas—they’re a great source of fiber, they promote heart health, and help to support the immune system. But if you’re someone who cooks with peas often, you may find that there’s almost always a good amount left over. The good news is, there are a few different ways to store peas in the refrigerator, so they last all week long. And if you want to preserve your peas for even longer, they will stay perfectly fresh in the freezer for a whole year.

So, whether you love simple cooked peas with butter and salt, or something a bit more complex, like a ​​Scorched Sugar Snap Peas and Burrata Salad, you can stretch their freshness with these easy storage tips. Read on for tips on how to store peas!

How to Store Fresh Peas

Just like any other type of produce, the best time to enjoy peas is shortly after they have been harvested. That’s because the sugar in peas starts to turn into starch, which browns them as they begin to spoil. The key to keeping peas fresh for as long as possible is to put them in a perforated plastic bag or food storage container and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to a week. A perforated storage container is essential, since peas need cool temperatures and moisture to preserve freshness.

How to Store Cooked Peas

If you have leftover cooked peas, you’re going to want to store them differently than fresh peas. Rather than storing them in a perforated container, you’ll want to put them in an airtight container to lock out moisture. Another trick is to keep your cooked peas in a shallow container with a lid. Having your peas spread out as much as possible will prevent moisture from building up throughout the week. These two tips can help your cooked peas last for up to a week in the fridge.  

Can You Freeze Peas?

It’s always a good idea to keep a bag of peas in your freezer for easy weeknight meals and school lunches. If you have leftover cooked peas and can’t use them within a week, freezing them is a great option to minimize food waste.

Simply spread the peas out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the peas to a freezer-friendly bag or container and store them for up to a year. If you want to enjoy the peas while they’re of the best quality, try to consume your frozen peas within eight months.

Frozen peas can be used in countless dishes, like a light spring pasta or a stir-fry. All you have to do is thaw frozen peas for a few hours at room temperature, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

If you’re looking for new ways to use up your pea stash, try this deliciously nutritious Pea Mint Pesto With Fusilli, or take a cue from this Smashed Pea and Ricotta Toasts recipe and spread a layer of vibrant green peas on some bread.