Susan Durisek’s blog

Peas . . .

A couple months ago, I planted peas along the chain link fence by the side of my yard, because peas need support for climbing.  I put them in a sunny spot, and they began growing in the cool spring weather.  Now the vines cover the fence, and today I ate peas for lunch.  It was amazing to go to the yard, pick the pea pods, open them and shell the peas into a pan and cook them.  Only five minutes from vine to dine. In case you’ve never seen what peas look like before they arrive at the grocery in frozen food bags, I’ve included some photos of the white flowers, green pods on the vine, pods cracked open showing the peas, and what they look like just before cooking.  I composted the discarded pods.  Sometimes, if you catch them early and tender enough, these pea pods can also be stir-fried as snow peas.  Sweet, tender, and with a flavor you just can’t get from store-bought.