Peas and its benefits

As approved by doctors, green vegetables are always good for your health. Peas are vibrantly delicious in flavor, have a wonderful texture and a wealth of health-promoting nutrients. No wonder green peas are a part of many wonderful vegetable recipes because all varieties are sweet and delicious, and boast more protein than most vegetables. Fresh green peas are only available in April and May, however you can get frozen peas all year round and they are just as good.

Nutritional Values of Peas:

Good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, dietary fiber, folate and thiamin (vitamin B1).
Also rich in vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B6, protein, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, zinc and potassium.
Their fiber is mostly insoluble.
Dried peas contain fewer nutrients than fresh peas; however they are more calorie-dense due to their lack of water.
Green peas contain twice the protein of most vegetable.

Health Benefits:

Green Peas is rich in nicotinic acid which helps in reducing cholesterol in the blood.
Green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health.
The folic acid and vitamin B6 in green peas are supportive of cardiovascular health.
The vitamin K in green peas is influential to the body's healthy blood clotting ability.
Peas are the energy-producing cells and systems of the body.
Due to rich iron content Peas helps to fight back anemia.
Green peas provide vitamin C, which are helpful to prevent the development of cancer. A high intake of vitamin C always reduce the risks for almost all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast.
Green peas have Lutein, the carotenoids with a confirmed proof of helping to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

How to grow Peas:

Peas always grow on most soils, so select a location that gets full sun ray and has soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Peas can't bear wet soil so make sure soil drains well. Avoid any soil additives that are high in nitrogen. Dig plenty of compost that will provide the right texture.
Grow peas in raised beds.
Plant the seeds an inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart, in rows about 3 feet apart. Establish supports for peas, even dwarf varieties.
Make sure young plants get about 1/2 inch of water a week. When plants begin to flower, they need an inch per week regardless of soil.
During the growing season ensure heavy yields by feeding liquid seaweed or compost tea twice.
Peas would be ready for picking about three weeks after the plants begin to flower.
Enjoy them straight out of the garden.

How to cook Green Peas:

Rinse the peas properly in their pods under water.
Shell the peas by snapping off the ends of the pod and pulling off the thread along the seam.
Boil peas until tender, say about 2 to 3 minutes.
Steam peas 1 to 2 minutes.
Sauté peas in butter or olive oil 2 to 3 minutes.
You can also try fresh basil, tarragon or mint with peas.
You can add the peas with any vegetable, pasta or rice.