• The Latin name for peas is pisum sativum.
• One serving of peas contains as much as Vitamin C as two large apples, more fiber than a slice of wholemeal bread, and more thiamine than a pint of whole meal.
• The first peas were frozen by Clarence Birdseye who invented the 'plate froster' to preserve foods in the 1920s.
• 7175 peas were once eaten in a minute with chopsticks by Janet Harris of Sussex. This was a world record!
• In early times, peas were grown mostly for their dry seeds. Green peas, eaten immature and fresh, were an innovative luxury of Early Modern Europe.
Tips:
Here are some cooking tips for peas:
• The less water you use when cooking peas, the less vitamin C is lost.
• Steaming helps to conserve this vitamin. When boiling frozen peas, add enough water to cover, bring to the boil and then cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
• To microwave 227 grams (8oz) of frozen peas add 15ml (1 tablespoon) of water, place in non-metallic container and cover. Cook on full power for 4 minutes (750W).
